Description
The pula is the official currency of Botswana since 1976 when it replaced the South African rand at par. The name is derived from the word “pula”, which means rain in the Setswana language. The Bank of Botswana introduced the first coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 thebe, followed by 2 pula coin in 1994. In 1998, the 1 and 2 coins were withdrawal. In 2013, The Central Bank of Botswana introduced a new coin series; all previous coins were demonetized and remained exchangeable to current coins until 2019.
The 1 Botswana thebe coin front design features the National Coat of Arms (consists of a traditional South African shield containing three cogwheels, three waves, and a bull’s head. Two zebras support the shield; the zebra on the right holds a sorghum ear, and the zebra on the left holds an ivory elephant tusk. At the bottom, a ribbon with the national motto: “Pula”), and the issue date. The lettering is presented in the Malay language. The reverse coin design illustrates a turaco bird head and the denomination. This coin is part of the 1976 – 1991 series, its rim is fluted, and its color is silver.
Text: Botswana Ipelegeng, Pula, 1983, 1 Thebe.