Lesotho became independent on October 4, 1966, ending nearly a century of British rule as Basutoland. Moshoeshoe II, descended directly from the founder of the Basotho nation, was installed as king — though real political power rested almost immediately with Prime Minister Leabua Jonathan, who would eventually suspend the constitution and place the king under house arrest in 1990.
This issue belongs to a matched independence set struck at the Royal Mint. The .900 silver specification follows the established Commonwealth commemorative standard of the period.
Lesotho became independent on October 4, 1966, ending nearly a century of British rule as Basutoland. Moshoeshoe II, descended directly from the founder of the Basotho nation, was installed as king — though real political power rested almost immediately with Prime Minister Leabua Jonathan, who would eventually suspend the constitution and place the king under house arrest in 1990.
This issue belongs to a matched independence set struck at the Royal Mint. The .900 silver specification follows the established Commonwealth commemorative standard of the period.