Catalog
50 Cents - Sobhuza II Independence
| Issuer | Kingdom of Swaziland (1968-2018) |
|---|---|
| Year | 1968 |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
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| Obverse description | Three-quarter facing bust of King Sobhuza II turned to the left, depicted in traditional Swazi attire, with a short beard, rendered in high relief. The legend SWAZILAND INDEPENDENCE arcs along the upper periphery, while the name SOBHUZA II appears along the lower field. The engraver's initials T.S. are present on the design. The portrait conveys a dignified and naturalistic artistic style characteristic of mid-twentieth century commemorative coinage. |
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| Reverse lettering | T.S. 50c 1968 |
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| Additional information |
Swaziland gained independence from Britain on September 6, 1968, one of the last of the sub-Saharan protectorates to do so. Sobhuza II had ruled since 1921 — technically the longest-reigning monarch of the 20th century — and had spent decades petitioning the British government for self-determination. The independence coinage was struck to commemorate the transition, with the .800 silver composition mirroring the fractional silver standards common to late British colonial issues rather than the finer standards used in metropolitan coinage.
Sobhuza would go on to dissolve Swaziland's parliament in 1973 and rule by decree until his death in 1982.