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Rhodesia & Nyasaland Coins

The monetary history of Rhodesia and Nyasaland is fascinating and reflects the political and economic changes in the region. From the formation of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland in 1953 to its dissolution in 1963, and subsequent changes in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and Nyasaland (now Malawi), the currency has undergone several transformations.

Currency during the Federation

During the existence of the Federation, the pound of Rhodesia and Nyasaland was used. This currency was divided into 20 shillings, each of 12 pence, following the British system. Coins were issued in denominations of 1/2 penny, 1 penny, 3 pence, 6 pence, 1 shilling, 2 shillings and 2 shillings and 6 pence. Banknotes were printed in denominations of 10 shillings, 1 pound, 5 pounds and 10 pounds. A notable development was the introduction in 1955 of the 3 pence coin with a dodecagonal shape, a unique feature in the region.

Post-Federation changes

After the dissolution of the Federation, Rhodesia adopted the Rhodesian dollar in 1970, while Nyasaland, now independent as Malawi, introduced the Malawian kwacha in 1971. In Rhodesia, international sanctions due to its unilateral declaration of independence led to the creation of unique coin designs, such as the 1966 Rhodesia Crown gold coin, which became a highly coveted collector's item. Hyperinflation in Zimbabwe in the decades that followed resulted in the issuance of banknotes with astronomical denominations, including the infamous Z$100 billion bill in 2008, a landmark in world numismatic history.

If you are a passionate collector, this catalog offers the possibility to create your own personal collection. You can add your coins and generate a free PDF catalog from a complete database and our management tools. In addition, once registered, you will have the opportunity to exchange coins with other collectors around the world easily and free of charge.

📢 Rhodesia & Nyasaland is a country that does not exist today. It is now part of the Zaire coins.

The most valuable coins

The most valuable Rhodesia & Nyasaland coins and sought after by collectors according to Foronum statistics are the following:

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The valuation of these coins has been achieved through a meticulous algorithm that considers the current market, taking into account aspects such as material, weight, diameter, edge, year of mintage, mint of manufacture and the number of coins produced. Coins with limited mintages and in good condition are usually among the most valuable.

Swapping available Note the coins labelled with this message, it means that there are collectors who have that coin and are willing to make a swap. Visit their collection from their personal page.

Coin Catalog

½ penny

FO#7211 KM#1
Price: 6,53€ - 7,00€
Year: 1955-1964
Weight: 3,00 g
Composition: Bronze
Diameter: 21,00 mm
Edge: Smooth

1 penny

FO#7431 KM#2
Price: 1,50€ - 2,84€
Year: 1955-1963
Weight: 6,30 g
Composition: Bronze
Diameter: 27,00 mm
Edge: Smooth

3 pence

FO#14935 KM#3a
Year: 1955
Weight: 1,41 g
Composition: Silver
Diameter: 16,30 mm
Edge: Smooth

3 pence

FO#7432 KM#3
Price: 0,63€ - 2,08€
Year: 1955-1964
Weight: 1,40 g
Composition: Copper-nickel
Diameter: 16,30 mm
Edge: Smooth

6 pence

FO#14936 KM#4a
Year: 1955
Weight: 3,80 g
Composition: Silver
Diameter: 19,40 mm
Edge: Ribbed

6 pence

FO#9283 KM#4
Year: 1955-1963
Weight: 2,80 g
Composition: Copper-nickel
Diameter: 19,40 mm
Edge: Ribbed

1 shilling

FO#14937 KM#5a
Year: 1955
Weight: 5,70 g
Composition: Silver
Diameter: 23,60 mm
Edge: Ribbed

1 shilling

FO#9284 KM#5
Year: 1955-1957
Weight: 5,70 g
Composition: Copper-nickel
Diameter: 23,60 mm
Edge: Ribbed

2 shillings

FO#9285 KM#6
Year: 1955-1957
Weight: 11,20 g
Composition: Copper-nickel
Diameter: 28,40 mm
Edge: Ribbed

2 shilling

FO#23277 KM#6a
Year: 1955
Weight: 11,31 g
Composition: Silver (0,500)
Diameter: 28,40 mm
Edge: Ribbed

½ crown

FO#9286 KM#7
Year: 1955-1957
Weight: 14,20 g
Composition: Copper-nickel
Diameter: 32,30 mm
Edge: Ribbed

½ crown

FO#9287 KM#7a
Year: 1955
Weight: 14,14 g
Composition: Silver
Diameter: 32,30 mm
Edge: Ribbed

Other resources to find coins and banknotes of Rhodesia & Nyasaland

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