Botswana 1966 10 thebe
The republic of Botswana, landlocked in Southern Africa, was the protectorate of Bechuanaland prior to independence from Great Britain in 1966. Lacking minerals valuable on the world market, Botswana has escaped the violence afflicting its neighbors Angola, Zimbabwe and South Africa. It, unfortunately, has not escaped the ravages of AIDS. Coin denominations are thebe and pula. Pula translates as the word 'rain', a scarce commodity in this arid region. This specimen was lot 1201 in Jean Elsen sale 138 (Brussels, September 2018), where it sold for €370 (about US$510 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"BOTSWANA, République (1966-), AV 10 thebe, 1966B, Berne. Président Seretse Khama. Flan poli. (republic of Botswana, since 1966, gold ten thebe of 1966, Bern mint. President Seretse Khama. Proof.)"
Recorded mintage: 5,100 proofs.
Specification: 11 g, 0.900 fine gold, .324 oz.
Catalog reference: Fr-1, KM 2.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 138, Collection A. BLONDEL, Collection M. HENDRICKX, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils, S.A., 2018.
Link to:
- 1966-B 50 cents
- 1976 10 thebe, copper-nickel
- Coins and currency dated 1966
- return to coins of Botswana