Comments on "Nigeria: decimal coinage"

[<k>]

Parent topic:  Nigeria: decimal coinage.
The parent topic (above) gives an overview of the decimal coinage of Nigeria.

Please post any comments, questions or corrections in this topic here.

Your comments are welcome.

[<k>]

Reverse of the 2 naira coin of 2006.

2 naira and two stars.

Usually stars on a coin have a meaning. They are not just decorative.

But Nigeria's flag and coat of arms do not include any stars.

So why do stars appear on this design?

[<k>]

Nigeria, 10 kobo, 1991.

See:  Normal circulation coins with lower case text.

[<k>]

Nigeria, 10 kobo, 1973.




Nigeria, 10 kobo, 1991.

See:  Same design, different shape.

[<k>]

Nigeria, 1 naira, 2006.

See:  Bimetallic Coins.

[<k>]

THOUGHTS  ON  DESIGN




The Nigerian coin series of 1973.

These designs were the work of English artist and sculptor Geoffrey Colley. They were not the most stylish set of designs that the Royal Mint ever issued. Nor are they the best examples of Geoffrey Colley's work, which improved rapidly thereafter over the years.

According to Royal Mint documentation of the time, "The 5 cents was originally to show an African elephant; the 2½ cents an African white-breasted kingfisher; and the one cent coins a sokoto goat.  However, the Nigerians were particularly keen that no animals should be depicted on the coins, though no reasons were given for this."

I suspect that the Muslims of Northern Nigeria did not want to see animals on the coins because of religious objections. However, two horses appear on the obverse of the coins as part of the coat of arms.

RELATED TOPICS

Geoffrey Colley, Coin Designer

Nigeria: predecimal to decimal design continuity

Nigeria: decimal and pre-decimal variations

Unrealised Nigerian set by David Cornell (1975)

Unrealised Nigerian set by David Cornell (2006)

[coinote]

None of coins are in circulation, because a very small pack of local snack costs you 100 naira, so who will use 1 or 2 naira coins?

[stef]

5 and 10 kobo were introduced on 3rd of July, 1972, six months before the decimalisation.