Catalog
2 Cents - Sobhuza II FAO
| Issuer | Central Bank of Swaziland |
|---|---|
| Year | 1975 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| 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) | KM#22, Schön#22 |
| Obverse description | Facing bust effigy of King Sobhuza II adorned in traditional Swazi royal regalia, including a ceremonial headdress decorated with feathers and animal horn ornaments, and a draped cloak with geometric patterned clasp. The portrait is rendered in high relief with fine detail, occupying the central field of the square flan. The legend SWAZILAND arcs along the lower periphery in incuse Latin characters, engraved by Michael Rizzello. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
| 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 |
Struck as part of the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) coinage program, which enlisted dozens of developing nations throughout the 1970s to mint coins bearing agricultural themes as a vehicle for rural development messaging. Swaziland's participation was largely nominal — the coins entered general circulation rather than serving any dedicated developmental distribution role.
Sobhuza II was, at the time of this issue, approaching the longest verified reign of any monarch in recorded history, having ruled since 1899 under a regency and in full capacity from 1921.