5 Thebe reeded edge

Botswana's first decimal coinage, introduced in 1976, replaced the South African rand at par following the establishment of the Botswana pula — one of the more successful post-independence currency transitions on the continent, managed without the inflationary crises that plagued neighboring states. The Bank of Botswana contracted the Royal Mint for early production runs before domestic arrangements were formalized.

The reeded edge distinguishes this type from later issues in the series.