1 Thebe


Aluminium-magnesium (98% Aluminium, 2% Magnesium)	0.7 g	18.5 mm

Description

Issuer	Botswana
Period	Republic (1966-date)
Type	Standard circulation coin
Years	1976-1991
Value	1 Thebe (0.01&nbspBWP)
Currency	Pula (1976-date)
Composition	Aluminium-magnesium (98% Aluminium, 2% Magnesium)
Weight	0.7 g
Diameter	18.5 mm
Thickness	1.27 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized	1 July 2014
Updated	2024-10-04

References

Numista	N#4373
Rarity index	6%

Reverse

Value to right of Turaco

Script: Latin

Lettering: 1 THEBE

Engraver: Michael Hibbit

Edge

Reeded

Comment

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 progam created for reducing the poverty in the country.

Of the coins dated 1976, 400,000 were minted in 1975 and 14,033,000 were minted in 1976.

Interesting fact

The 1 Thebe coin was designed by the Botswana artist, Themba M. Maswena, and features a unique blend of traditional and modern elements. The obverse side of the coin features a stylized image of a baobab tree, which is a symbol of longevity and vitality in Botswana's culture, while the reverse side features a depiction of a traditional village hut, surrounded by a pattern of diamonds. This design was chosen to represent Botswana's rich cultural heritage and its commitment to modernization and development.