Lesotho – 1966 – Independence Commemorative Set – 3 Gold Coins Proof

Lesotho – 1966 – Independence Commemorative Set – 3 Gold Coins Proof

The set consists of the following coins:

4 Maloti – Proof, 15,98g

2 Maloti – Proof, 7,99g

1 Maloti – Proof, 3,994g

After 100 years of British administration, the mountain homeland of the Basotho, an enclave within the Republic of South Africa, became an independent state in the Commonwealth on October 4, 1966, and is known as the Kingdom of Lesotho. To commemorate this historic event, the Government of Lesotho had a limited edition of gold coins minted.

On the obverse appears the head of Moshoeshoe, the founder of the Basotho nation and one of the most important figures in the history of southern Africa in the 19th century.

He was born towards the end of the 18th century and died in 1870, shortly after placing his country under the protection of the British Crown.

On the reverse the coins bear the coat of arms of Lesotho. The ponies draw attention to the fact that Basutoland was famous for its robust mountain horses. The crocodile is the symbol of the Bakoena tribe, to which Moshoeshoe belonged, and is now considered a symbol of national unity. The Sesotho motto Khotso, Pula, Nala means peace, rain, abundance.

The desire for peace was the predominant motive in Moshoeshoe’s life and still characterizes the Basotho today, although the nation has never been slow to take up arms in self-defense. In fact, the shield, spear and kierie are signs of their bravery in war. Peace is considered a prerequisite for abundance or prosperity, rain in a country that lives from its agriculture, too.

More details

Country: Lesotho
Year of mintage: 1966
Material: gold
Circulation: 500
Fineness: .917
Total weight: 28g
Nominal value: 4 maloti, 2 maloti, 1 maloti
Feature: With original case and certificate number 13

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