50 Thebe


Copper-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel)	11.31 g	28.5 mm

Description

Issuer	Botswana
Period	Republic (1966-date)
Type	Standard circulation coin
Years	1976-1985
Value	50 Thebe (0.50&nbspBWP)
Currency	Pula (1976-date)
Composition	Copper-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel)
Weight	11.31 g
Diameter	28.5 mm
Thickness	2.35 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized	1 July 2014
Updated	2024-10-04

References

Numista	N#4374
Rarity index	11%

Reverse

African Fish Eagle (Binomial Name: Haliaeetus vocifer), the national bird of Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Sudan, to the left, denomination above

Script: Latin

Lettering:
50
THEBE

Engraver: Michael Hibbit

Edge

Milled

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 50 Thebe coin from Botswana, issued between 1976 and 1985, features a unique design that showcases the country's rich wildlife. One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of a roaring lion on one side, while the other side bears the image of a leopard. This coin is a rare and valuable collector's item for numismatists and wildlife enthusiasts alike.