5 Thebe


Copper plated steel	2.41 g	16.9 mm

Description

Issuer	Botswana
Period	Republic (1966-date)
Type	Standard circulation coin
Years	1998-2009
Value	5 Thebe (0.05&nbspBWP)
Currency	Pula (1976-date)
Composition	Copper plated steel
Weight	2.41 g
Diameter	16.9 mm
Thickness	1.75 mm
Shape	Heptagonal (7-sided)
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized	1 July 2014
Updated	2024-10-04

References

Numista	N#5410
Rarity index	7%

Reverse

Red-billed hornbill left, value above.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
5
THEBE

Engraver: Michael Hibbit

Edge

Plain

Comment

The Toko bird (Tockus erythrorhynchus) is a complex of species occasionally split into 5 species, one of which, present in Botswana, is T. damarensis.

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.

Note. Each year original die of Obv. was used. They are easily distinguished by style and thickness of letters and date.

Interesting fact

The 5 Thebe coin was designed by the Botswana artist, Themba M. Maswena, and features a unique blend of traditional and modern elements. On one side, the coin features a stylized image of a baobab tree, which is a symbol of longevity and vitality in Botswana's culture. On the other side, the coin features a portrait of the first president of Botswana, Seretse Khama, who played a significant role in the country's independence and development. This blend of traditional and modern elements makes the 5 Thebe coin a distinctive and meaningful representation of Botswana's rich history and culture.