Coinage of Malawi

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The cockerel design, as it appeared on the reverse of the 1 tambala coin. It had previously graced the reverse of the predecimal copper-nickel six pence coin.

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The reverse of the 2 tambala coin featured the paradise whydah bird (Vidua paradisaea).

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The long-tailed paradise whydah bird (male).

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The reverse of the 5 tambala coin featured the purple heron (Ardea purpurea).

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The purple heron.

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The reverse of the 10 tambala coin featured the maize design that had previously appeared on the shilling.

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The reverse of the 20 tambala coin featured the elephant and calf design that had previously graced the florin.

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There was no 50 tambala coin at this point. A 1 kwacha collector coin was issued in 1971, which did not circulate. It was 38.74 mm in diameter. The obverse showed the portrait of President Banda as usual, but the reverse design featured the national coat of arms. The edge inscription read: "Decimal Currency introduced February 15th, 1971".

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From 1975 onward a diacritic was added to the "w" in "Malawi" on the obverse legend.

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In 1986 Malawi issued its first 50 tambala coin circulation coin. This version, portraying President Banda, with the coat of arms on the reverse, was last issued in 1994.

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Malawi issued its first circulation kwacha coin in 1992. This version was not issued after 1992. It was made of brass and, like the 1 tambala coin, it depicted a cockerel. A portrait of President Banda appeared on the obverse as usual.

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President Banda ran in Malawi's first truly democratic presidential election in 1994. He was roundly defeated by Bakili Muluzi.

This event led to several changes to the coinage in 1995.

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The cockerel was the symbol of President Banda's political party. It was therefore removed from the reverse of the 1 tambala coin and replaced with a strikingly attractive design of two tilapia fish. The design was the work of the Royal Canadian Mint, but the mint refuses to reveal the name of the design.

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Another change, in 1995, was that the portrait of President Banda was now removed from the obverse of the coins. The national coat of arms now appeared on the obverse of the 1, 2 and 5 tambala coins.

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Also in 1995, 1, 2, 5 and 10 tambala coins were issued that showed the portrait of the new president, Bakili Muluzi. The portrait was the work of Royal Mint (UK) artist Robert Elderton.