500 Maloti - Moshoeshoe II Commonwealth Membership

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.