Catalog
1000 Kwacha Mountain Gorilla
| Issuer | Zambia |
|---|---|
| Year | 2014 |
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| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
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|---|---|
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| Reverse description | A highly detailed, full-color depiction of an adult mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) facing the viewer, cradling a juvenile gorilla in its arms, set against a naturalistic background of tropical foliage and large leaves. The legend MOUNTAIN GORILLA arcs along the upper left, while the inscription ENDANGERED ANIMAL SPECIES curves along the right side and lower field. In the lower left, a small inset map of Africa marks the species' native habitat with a blue crystal or inset stone. The coloring technique renders the gorillas in realistic dark tones, contrasting with the silver-finished botanical surroundings. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
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| Additional information |
Zambia's gorilla coins have long occupied a peculiar corner of the numismatic market — produced not for domestic circulation but squarely for the collector trade, with the issuing authority licensing the design through foreign minting intermediaries. The mountain gorilla series attracted buyers on the strength of the subject matter rather than any monetary function; Zambia has no wild gorilla population.
Silver-plated copper-nickel at this weight is a cost structure that tells its own story about the intended buyer and price point.