1 Shilling (Nickel plated steel) 1987 front 1 Shilling (Nickel plated steel) 1987 back
1 Shilling (Nickel plated steel) 1987 photo
© Dave Townsley collection (CC0)

1 Shilling Nickel plated steel

1987 year
Nickel plated steel 5.7 g 26 mm
Description
Issuer
Uganda
Period
Republic (1962-date)
Type
Non-circulating coin
Year
1987
Value
1 Shilling (1&nbspUGS)
Currency
Shilling (1966-1987)
Composition
Nickel plated steel
Weight
5.7 g
Diameter
26 mm
Thickness
1.3 mm
Shape
Equilateral curve heptagon (7-sided)
Technique
Milled
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-08
References
Numista
N#178816
Rarity index
79%

Reverse

Coffee (Coffea spp.) plants around value in circle. Bowl with coffee beans at bottom.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
BANK OF UGANDA
1
1987

Edge

Plain

Comment

In 1986, the Royal Mint recieved orders to mint Ugandan coins in five denomination: 1 Shilling, 50 Cents, 20 Cents, 10 Cents, and 5 Cents. However, months later, the order was changed. The sizes, weights, and designs all remained the same, with the only difference being the denominations that appeared on the coin. The change was as follows:

1 Shilling turned into 10 Shillings.
50 Cents turned into 5 Shillings.
20 Cents tuned into 2 Shillings.
10 Cents turned into 1 Shilling.
And the 5 Cent piece was abandoned.

Many 1 Shilling and 5 Cent pieces were struck before the order was changed, but when it became apparent that a change was necessary, the coins were held. The Mint held all the coins for a couple years before they were seemingly scrapped.

Examples of the 1 Shilling and 5 Cent pieces are located in the Royal Mint Museum, as are trial strikes of the 20 Cent and 10 Cent pieces. There is a lack of information regarding any possible 50 Cent pieces.

Some sources meantion Ugandan 1 Shilling and 50 Cent pieces from 1986; however, while these unissued coins are dated 1987 and were meant to be released in 1987, they were possibly struck in 1986, meaning the corresponding denominations in this series may be the pieces those sources are talking about.

Interesting fact

The 1987 Ugandan 1 Shilling coin made of Nickel plated steel is a non-circulating coin, meaning it was not meant to be used as regular currency. Instead, it was produced specifically for collectors and coin enthusiasts. Despite its small weight of 5.7 grams, the coin still holds significant value due to its rarity and historical significance.