5 Pula


Bimetallic: copper-nickel plated steel centre in brass plated steel ring	8.7 g	28 mm

Description

Issuer	Botswana
Period	Republic (1966-date)
Type	Standard circulation coin
Years	2013-2016
Value	5 Pula 5 BWP = USD 0.38
Currency	Pula (1976-date)
Composition	Bimetallic: copper-nickel plated steel centre in brass plated steel ring
Weight	8.7 g
Diameter	28 mm
Thickness	2.2 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Medal alignment ↑↑
Updated	2024-10-04

References

Numista	N#57610
Rarity index	11%

Reverse

Mopane worm on a mopane tree branch, denomination below

Script: Latin

Lettering:
5
PULA

Edge

Segmented reeding

Comment

Mopane Worm is a sub-species of emperor moth & is native of Southern Africa. Binomial Name: Gonimbrasia belina
Mopane Tree or Butterfly Tree & is native of Botswana. Binomial Name: Colophospermum mopane

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 5 Pula coin from Botswana features a unique bimetallic design, with a copper-nickel plated steel center surrounded by a brass plated steel ring. This distinctive design not only makes the coin visually appealing, but it also serves as a security feature to prevent counterfeiting. The use of multiple metals in the coin's construction also adds to its durability and longevity, ensuring that it can withstand the wear and tear of circulation for an extended period.