50 Thebe


Nickel clad steel	4.82 g	21.3 mm

Description

Issuer	Botswana
Period	Republic (1966-date)
Type	Standard circulation coin
Years	1996-2001
Value	50 Thebe (0.50&nbspBWP)
Currency	Pula (1976-date)
Composition	Nickel clad steel
Weight	4.82 g
Diameter	21.3 mm
Thickness	2.2 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized	1 July 2014
Updated	2024-10-04

References

Numista	N#5411
Rarity index	8%

Reverse

African Fish Eagle flying left, holding a fish, denomination above

Script: Latin

Lettering:
50
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 50 Thebe coin was the first coin to feature the image of Botswana's first president, Sir Seretse Khama, who played a significant role in the country's independence movement and was a prominent figure in African politics. His image was featured on the obverse side of the coin, while the reverse side featured the Botswana coat of arms. This coin was a significant departure from previous Botswana coins, which had featured images of British monarchs. The introduction of the 50 Thebe coin was a symbol of Botswana's independence and a reflection of the country's desire to assert its own identity.