Catalog
15 Maloti - Moshoeshoe II Independence
| Issuer | Central Bank of Lesotho |
|---|---|
| Year | 1981 |
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| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
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| Obverse description | Uniformed effigy of King Moshoeshoe II in military dress, facing three-quarters left, occupying the central field. The surrounding legend reads 'KINGDOM OF LESOTHO H.M. MOSHOESHOE II 1981' arranged along the inner border of the coin. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | A boldly rendered eagle with wings fully spread descends in flight toward the lower field, clutching in its talons a flowing scroll banner inscribed 'KHOTSO PULA NALA' — the national motto of Lesotho meaning 'Peace, Rain, Prosperity'. The commemorative legend '15TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE 1966-1981' arcs around the upper and right periphery, while the denomination '15 MALOTI' is displayed in the right field. A beaded inner border frames the entire design. |
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| Additional information |
Lesotho marked the fifteenth anniversary of independence from British rule in 1981, having gained sovereignty in 1966 under Moshoeshoe II — a king whose reign was anything but stable. He was twice deposed, first in 1990 by Prime Minister Leabua Jonathan's successor military council, and again in 1995, before dying under disputed circumstances at Maluti Mountain in 1996. The .500 fineness on this issue is notably low for a commemorative silver coin of the period, suggesting the Central Bank was working within tight budgetary constraints for what was still an extremely poor landlocked economy.