Catalog
1 Dalasi
| Issuer | Central Bank of the Gambia |
|---|---|
| Year | 1971 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Copper-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel) |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | A slender-snouted crocodile (Mecistops cataphractus) depicted in left-facing profile, occupying the central field of the coin. The denomination 1 DALASI appears to the right of the crocodile, with the Arabic equivalent دَلَسِ inscribed alongside, reflecting the bilingual character of the issue. The reptile is rendered with fine detail, including scaled texture along the body and tail. The overall composition is clean and uncluttered, with the crocodile serving as a prominent national symbol of The Gambia. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
The Gambia gained independence from Britain in 1965 but retained the British West African pound until 1971, when the dalasi was introduced as the country's first sovereign decimal currency. This coin belongs to that inaugural issue — the first series ever struck for the new monetary system. Production was handled by the Royal Mint, a practical holdover from the colonial relationship that continued well into the post-independence period.
The 1971 series was not struck in large numbers, reflecting the Gambia's small population at the time of roughly 500,000.