1 Pula


Nickel brass	8.8 g	24 mm

Description

Issuer	Botswana
Period	Republic (1966-date)
Type	Standard circulation coin
Years	1991-2007
Value	1 Pula (1&nbspBWP)
Currency	Pula (1976-date)
Composition	Nickel brass
Weight	8.8 g
Diameter	24 mm
Thickness	2.7 mm
Shape	Heptagonal (7-sided)
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized	1 July 2014
Updated	2024-10-04

References

Numista	N#3232
Rarity index	7%

Reverse

Zebra left, denomination above

Script: Latin

Lettering:
1
PULA

Engraver: Michael Hibbit

Edge

7 sequences of 10 embossed mills each between smooth corners

Comment

Plains zebra or common zebra or Burchell's zebra (Found extensively in Botswana)
Binomial Name: Equus quagga

Issue date: June 20, 1991.

PLEASE NOTE: The second "1" in the date 1991, is sometimes misread as a "7". Compare it to the first "1" to ensure that it is not a "7". If you do in fact have a coin dated 1997, please submit the change request and add a scan of the date side of the coin as well. The coin pictured here is a 1991 coin, for comparison.

What does the word "Pula" mean? Pula literally means "rain" in Tswana language, because rain is very scarce in Botswana (most of the surface of Kalahari Desert is situated here) and therefore valuable and a blessing. The word also is the national motto of the country.

What does the word "Ipelegeng" mean? The word "Ipelegeng" literally means "to carry your own weight" or "to be self sufficient or independent", in general has got different meanings in Tswana language. Ipelegeng is also a South African city and a Botswana program created for reducing the poverty in the country.

Interesting fact

The 1 Pula coin from Botswana features a unique design that showcases the country's rich wildlife. The obverse side of the coin features an image of a zebra, while the reverse side features an image of a lion. This design was chosen to represent the country's commitment to conservation and wildlife preservation.