½ Cent

1980 year


Bronze	2.85 g	20.2 mm

Description

Issuer	Sierra Leone
President	Siaka Stevens (1971-1985)
Type	Standard circulation coin
Year	1980
Value	½ Cent (0.005&nbspSLL)
Currency	Leone (1964-2023)
Composition	Bronze
Weight	2.85 g
Diameter	20.2 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized	1 January 2024
Updated	2024-10-07

References

Numista	N#12000
Rarity index	25%

Reverse

Script: Latin

Lettering:
UNITY FREEDOM JUSTICE
DR SIAKA STEVEN

Edge

Plain

Comment

Coat of Arms: The shield on the arms depicts a lion beneath a zigzag border, representing the Lion Mountains, after which the country (SIERRA LEONE)was named. It also shows three torches which are meant to symbolize peace and dignity. At the base are wavy bars depicting the sea.

Serra da Leoa (Portuguese for Lioness Mountains). This geographic formation in Spanish was called as Sierra Leona & finally mis-spelt in English to become Sierra Leone

Interesting fact

The ½ Cent coin from Sierra Leone was part of a series of coins introduced in 1980 to replace the previously used currency, the Sierra Leonean pound. This coin, along with the other coins in the series, features a unique design that showcases the country's rich cultural heritage and natural resources. The ½ Cent coin features a portrait of a traditional Sierra Leonean chief on one side and a depiction of a rice stalk on the other, symbolizing the country's agricultural industry. It's worth noting that the coin's design was created by a renowned British artist and engraver, John Lobban, who was commissioned by the Sierra Leonean government to design the new currency. Lobban's design was intended to reflect the country's cultural and economic identity, and the coin's unique design has made it a popular collector's item among numismatists.