Botswana 1976 10 thebe

from the Mountain Groan Collection

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.

Shown is a copper-nickel ten thebe. The reverse features an oryx.

Recorded mintage: 1,500,000.

Specification: 4 g, copper-nickel, 22 mm diameter.

Catalog reference: KM 5.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.

Link to:

• 1966 10 thebe, gold
• 1976 thebe
• 1976 5 thebe
• 1976 150 pula, 10th anniversary of independence
• 1978 150 pula
• Coins and currency dated 1976
• return to coins of Botswana