5 Thebe

2013 year


Nickel clad steel	2.218 g	18 mm

Description

Issuer	Botswana
Period	Republic (1966-date)
Type	Standard circulation coin
Year	2013
Value	5 Thebe 0.05 BWP = USD 0.0038
Currency	Pula (1976-date)
Composition	Nickel clad steel
Weight	2.218 g
Diameter	18 mm
Thickness	1.3 mm
Shape	Heptagonal (7-sided)
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Medal alignment ↑↑
Updated	2024-10-04

References

Numista	N#58715
Rarity index	10%

Reverse

Red-billed hornbill left (Tockus erythrorhynchus), denomination at top. It is a complex of species occasionnaly split into 5 species, one of which, present in Botswana, is T. damarensis.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
5
THEBE

Engraver: Michael Hibbit

Edge

Plain

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 program created for reducing the poverty in the country.

Interesting fact

The 5 Thebe coin from Botswana features a unique design that showcases the country's rich wildlife. The obverse side of the coin features an image of a majestic lion, while the reverse side features a picture of a leopard. This design was chosen to highlight the importance of conservation and wildlife preservation in Botswana.