New denominations that countries introduced for circulating commemoratives only

[<k>]

In modern times, occasionally some countries have issued a circulating commemorative coin that was given a new denomination - namely, a denomination that had not previously been part of the coinage.

That denomination was then used for that circulating commemorative coin only. Or perhaps there have even been series of national circulating commemorative coins that used a new denomination, perhaps over a number of years.

[<k>]

Rwanda, 2 francs, 1970.

Rwanda issued a FAO-themed 2 francs coin in 1970.

F.A.O. stands for Food and Agricultural Organization (a United Nations body).


The motto translates as "LET'S INCREASE PRODUCTION".

The reverse design showed a boy pouring coffee beans into a basket.


That coin and that denomination were used only in 1970 and never afterwards.

This was also Rwanda's only ever scalloped coin.

[<k>]

Botswana, 2 thebe, 1981.

Botswana issued a FAO-themed 2 thebe coin in 1981.


F.A.O. stands for Food and Agricultural Organization (a United Nations body).

The reverse design depicted sorghum.


The legend 'LEMANG DIJO' means "Let's increase food production".

That coin and denomination were issued only in 1981.

[<k>]

Cyprus, 500 mils, 1970.

The highest denomination of standard coin in 1970 was the 100 mils coin.

See also: Modern coins that lack a raised rim.

[<k>]

Ireland, 10 shillings, 1966.

Another coin without a raised rim.


The highest denomination of standard coin in 1966 was the half crown.

The half crown was the equivalent of 2½ shillings.

The 10 shillings coin was worth four times as much.


The Irish authorities intended the coin to circulate.

However, it proved to be unpopular with the public.

[<k>]

Guernsey, 10 shillings, 1966.

The highest denomination of standard coin in 1966 was the half crown.

[<k>]

So far we have two different situations.

Botswana and Rwanda introduced new low denominations.

In terms of value, these fitted between existing denominations.


Cyprus, Ireland and Guernsey introduced new high denominations.

They were considerably higher in value than the existing denominations.

[<k>]

Kenya, 40 shillings, 2003.   Circulating commemorative.

This 40 shillings coin commemorated 40 years of Kenya's independence.

It is a unique denomination in the world.

It is also the only one of its that Kenya issued.

[<k>]

Sierra, 2 leones, 1976.

Regional conference for Africa, 1976.

Another FAO-themed coin.

This is Sierra Leone's only 2 leones coin ever.

[<k>]

Uganda, 1000 shillings, 2012.

Another circulating commemorative.

It commemorated 50 years of Ugandan independence.

It is Uganda's only circulating 1000 shillings coin to date.

The highest standard denomination is 500 shillings.

[<k>]

Sri Lanka, 20 rupees, 2020.

Sri Lanka's highest standard denomination is 10 rupees.

Since 2020 it has issued 20 rupee coins as circulating commemoratives.


And look, these coins are heptagonal!

No doubt done to cash in on the worldwide heptagon mania.

[Pabitra]

You seem to have missed Mexico (20 Peso, many coins), Namibia KM#21, Uruguay KM#139, Mauritius KM#66, Algeria KM#141,142,143, Iran KM#1288,1292, Angola KM#111,112,113,114 , Nepal KM#1118 etc

[<k>]

Thank you, Pabitra. Those examples are all of denominations higher than the highest standard denominations and too many - or too time-consuming - for me to show.

In fact, Numista lists the Mauritius 20 rupees (2007 onwards) as a standard circulation coin.

[krishna]

The Indian Rs 5 commemorating the death of Ms. Indira Gandhi 1985 and the centenary of Mr. Nehru 1989 were the new denominations introduced for the purpose of circulation

[<k>]

Angola, 20 kwanzas, 2014.






Angola, 50 and 100 kwanzas, 2015.




Angola, 200 kwanzas, 2022.

Angola's highest regular circulation coin is the 10 kwanzas.

Will these new denominations become regular ones in the near future?


See also:  Coinage of Angola since independence.