Botswana 1976 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 an aluminum one thebe. The reverse features a turaco bird, species unknown. This type was struck 1976, 1981-91.

Recorded mintage: 26,000 proofs plus 15,000,000 for circulation.

Specification: 0.80 g, aluminum, 18.5 mm diameter.

Catalog reference: KM-35.

Sources:

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

Link to:

• 1976 5 thebe
• 1976 10 thebe
• 1976 150 pula, 10th anniversary of independence
• 1984 thebe
• Coins and currency dated 1976