5 Pula


Bimetallic: copper-nickel centre in brass ring	6.0 g	23.5 mm

Description

Issuer	Botswana
Period	Republic (1966-date)
Type	Standard circulation coin
Years	2000-2007
Value	5 Pula (5&nbspBWP)
Currency	Pula (1976-date)
Composition	Bimetallic: copper-nickel centre in brass ring
Weight	6.0 g
Diameter	23.5 mm
Thickness	2.0 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized	1 July 2014
Updated	2024-10-04

References

Numista	N#9187
Rarity index	9%

Reverse

Mopane worm on a mopane tree branch, denomination below

Script: Latin

Lettering:
5
PULA

Edge

Reeded

Comment

Issue date: November 1, 2000.

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 center surrounded by a brass ring. This design not only adds to the coin's aesthetic appeal but also makes it difficult to counterfeit. The use of multiple metals also symbolizes the country's rich natural resources and diverse economy.