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500 Maloti - Moshoeshoe II Commonwealth Membership
| Issuer | Central Bank of Lesotho |
|---|---|
| Year | 1981 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Loti (1980-date) |
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| Obverse description | The obverse features the Arms of Lesotho at center, depicting a shield supported by two rearing horses, surmounted by a traditional Basotho hat (mokorotlo) and flanked by spears, with a ribbon below bearing the national motto 'KHOTSO PULA NALA'. The legend 'KINGDOM OF LESOTHO' arcs along the upper periphery within a beaded border. The denomination '500 MALOTI' and the date '1981' appear in the lower field, flanked by the inscriptions 'ONE OUNCE FINE GOLD' on the left and the value on the right. The design is executed in high relief with a mirror-like proof finish. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse script | Latin |
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| Additional information |
Lesotho joined the Commonwealth in 1966 upon independence from Britain, but this issue commemorates the country's continued membership at a moment of particular political sensitivity — Moshoeshoe II had been stripped of executive powers by Prime Minister Leabua Jonathan following the disputed 1970 election, reduced to a ceremonial figurehead in his own kingdom. The coin was struck by the Pobjoy Mint in Surrey, which held the contract for most Lesotho commemorative gold output during this period.