Lesotho – interesting facts about the country and its gold coins

Lesotho is a small country in southern Africa, completely surrounded by South Africa. Because it is completely surrounded by South Africa, Lesotho is also one of only three enclave countries. The other two are San Marino and Vatican City, both of which are completely surrounded by Italy. Lesotho, formerly known as Basutoland, was renamed the Kingdom of Lesotho after independence from the United Kingdom in 1966. Despite its small size, Lesotho hosts a rich culture and history that has attracted the interest of many people around the world. One of the fascinating aspects of Lesotho is its gold coins, which have a unique history and design. In this article we will explore some interesting facts about Lesotho and its gold coins.

Capital: Maseru (449,329 inhabitants in 2023)

Head of state: King: Letsie III (born Seeiso Bereng; July 17, 1963) is King of Lesotho. He succeeded his father Moshoeshoe II, who was forced into exile in 1990.

Moshoeshoe I (/mʊˈʃwɛʃwɛ/) ( c. 1786 – March 11, 1870) was the first king of Lesotho.

King Moshoeshoe II (1938 – 1996) King Moshoeshoe II died at the age of 57 in a traffic accident when his car plunged off a mountain road in the early morning hours of January 15, 1996.

Head of government Prime Minister: Sam Matekane, since October 28, 2022. Samuel Matekane (born March 15, 1958) is a Mosotho businessman and politician. Before he ran for office, he was considered the richest person in the country. Matekane made his fortune in business, mainly diamond mining.

Form of government: constitutional monarchy with two chambers of parliament

Currency of the Kingdom of Lesotho: the Loti, abbreviated LSL, is the official currency of the Kingdom of Lesotho. The Loti (plural “Maloti”) is divided into 100 Lisente.

Official languages: Sotho, English

Lesotho is known as the kingdom in heaven.

Lesotho is often referred to as ” the Kingdom in the Sky ” because of its high altitude. The lowest point of the country is 1,400 meters above sea level, the highest point 3,482 meters above sea level. This means that Lesotho is one of the few countries in the world where snow falls regularly, even though it is located in Africa.

Size: Lesotho is one of the smallest countries in Africa in terms of area, ranking 142nd in the world.

Greatest treasures: Water and diamonds are Lesotho’s greatest treasures

National animal of Lesotho: the national animal of Lesotho is the black rhino, whose conservation status is considered critically endangered.

Typical food in Lesotho:

Lesotho is a small country within South Africa, rich in culture and traditions. One of the most important aspects of Lesotho’s culture is its cuisine. Lesotho’s cuisine is a reflection of the country’s history, geography and culture. It is based mainly on agricultural heritage and includes a variety of traditional dishes found only in Lesotho. One of the most popular dishes in Lesotho is pap, a type of porridge made from corn flour. Pap is served in Lesotho as a side dish to many traditional dishes. It is often eaten with a stew of meat or vegetables, which is usually quite spicy. Another popular dish is moroho, a dish of spinach or other leafy vegetables cooked with onions and tomatoes.

Meat is also a staple in Lesotho cuisine, and beef, lamb, and goat meat are commonly eaten. One of the most popular meat dishes is sesotho, a stew made from lamb or mutton. The meat is slowly cooked in a pot with various vegetables and spices and often served with porridge. Besides pap and moroho, there are a number of other traditional dishes in Lesotho that are worth mentioning. One of them is the famous Mosotho bread, a type of bread made from sorghum flour. It is usually baked over an open fire and served with butter and jam.

Another popular dish is Lesotho chicken, a roasted chicken seasoned with various spices and herbs. It is often served with vegetables and porridge.

One of the most unique aspects of Lesotho cuisine is the use of native plants and herbs in cooking. For example, the leaves of the Moroho plant are used in many dishes, and tea is made from the dried flowers of the Leruo plant.

The most beautiful places in Lesotho that you should not miss:

Lesotho is a beautiful and unique country in the heart of southern Africa. With its breathtaking mountain landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Lesotho offers its visitors a truly unforgettable experience. If you are planning a trip to Lesotho, don’t miss the following attractions:

Sani Pass – This picturesque mountain pass is a must-see for any visitor to Lesotho. The pass is located at an altitude of over 2,800 meters and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding Drakensberg Mountains.

Maletsunyane Falls – This impressive waterfall is one of the highest in southern Africa, standing over 200 meters high. Visitors can hike to the base of the waterfall to see it up close, or view it from a distance for a spectacular panoramic view.

Thaba-Bosiu – This historical site is the birthplace of Lesotho and has great cultural significance. This is where the Basotho people founded their kingdom, and the place is a symbol of their unity and resilience.

Katse Dam – This massive dam is the centerpiece of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which supplies water to South Africa. Visitors can take a guided tour of the dam and learn about its construction and impact on the region.

Sehlabathebe National Park – This national park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare bird species and endemic plants. Visitors can hike, camp or fish in the park or simply enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery.

Lesotho gold coins have a distinctive design

Lesotho gold coins are highly sought after by collectors for their unique design. The coins show the profile of King Moshoeshoe II on one side and the depiction of a shepherd boy blowing a horn on the other. The design is meant to represent Lesotho’s traditional way of life, which revolves around agriculture and livestock. Lesotho gold coins have a high collector value, as they are rare and have a unique design. Collectors from all over the world are willing to pay a high price for these coins, especially if they are in pristine condition.

Lesotho gold coins are not only valuable collectibles, but also a symbol of the country’s independence.

Our gold coins from Lesotho:

Lesotho – 1966 – Independence Commemorative Coin Set – 3 gold – 4 silver coins – Mintage: 1500

Lesotho – Moshoeshoe II. – 100 Maloti – 1976 – NGC PF68 Ultra Cameo – year of issue: 1410

500 Maloti Lesotho 1980 1 Ounce PCGS PR69DCAM – Edition: 3000

As you can see, Lesotho is a fascinating country with a rich culture and history. His gold coins are a unique and valuable aspect of his heritage, and collectors from around the world are eager to add them to their collections. Whether you’re a collector or just want to learn more about Lesotho, the country’s gold coins are definitely worth exploring. Do you want to buy or sell gold coins from Lesotho? Contact us, we will be happy to help you.