Catalog
| Issuer | Tanzania |
|---|---|
| Year | 1966-1984 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Shilingi |
| Currency | Shilling (1966-date) |
| Composition | Copper-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel) |
| Weight | 8 g |
| Diameter | 27.74 mm |
| Thickness | 1.62 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | Christopher Ironside |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#4, Schön#5 |
| Obverse description | Depiction of President J. K. Nyerere facing left flanked by flowers and the country name to the left of the date above. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
TANZANIA 1982 RAIS WA KWANZA (Translation: Tanzania 1982 The First President) |
| Reverse description | Hand holding torch to the left with the denomination in words above and in numerals below. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
SHILINGI MOJA 1 (Translation: ONE SHILINGI 1) |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint |
Royal Mint (Tower Hill), London,United Kingdom (1810-1975) Royal Mint, Llantrisant, United Kingdom (1968-date) |
| Mintage |
1966 - London Mint; Minted in 1965-1966 - 48 000 000 1966 - London Mint; Proof - 5 500 1972 - Llantrisant Mint - 10 000 000 1974 - Llantrisant Mint - 10 000 000 1975 - Llantrisant Mint - 5 000 000 1977 - - 5 000 000 1980 - - 10 000 000 1981 - - 1982 - - 10 000 000 1983 - - 10 000 000 1984 - - 10 000 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 7983005910 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1 Shilingi coin, issued by Tanzania from 1966 to 1984, represents a pivotal era. Debuting with a 1966 currency reform, it circulated throughout Julius K. Nyerere's presidency, Tanzania's first leader and architect of Ujamaa socialism. This coinage served as a tangible symbol of the newly formed nation's independence, its developing national identity, and its ambitious socio-economic policies during the early years of the Tanzanian Republic.
Artistry: The coin's design showcases a post-colonial nationalistic aesthetic. The obverse features a realistic, dignified portrait of President Julius K. Nyerere, facing right, encircled by the legend "RAIS WA KWANZA WA TANZANIA JULIUS K. NYERERE". The style, typical of modern Commonwealth coinage, prioritizes clear portraiture. The reverse prominently displays the iconic Mwenge wa Uhuru (Torch of Freedom) over a map of Tanzania, with the national motto "UHURU NA UMOJA" (Freedom and Unity), symbolizing national unity and enlightenment.
Technical/Grading: Struck in copper-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel), this 8-gram, 27.74mm coin typically exhibits a robust strike. Key high-points for grading include Nyerere's hair and ear on the obverse, and the flame of the Torch of Freedom and map outline on the reverse. While the durable alloy resists significant wear, these areas are prone to early circulation abrasion. Well-preserved examples display full luster, often with a cartwheel effect, and sharp delineation of lettering and design elements.