Silver Ounce 2003 African Wildlife - Elephant, Coin from Zambia - detailed information

The obverse of the coin shows the crowned bust of Queen Elizabeth II, facing right (her effigy by Raphael David Maklouf known as the "Third Portrait"). The Queen is wearing the royal diadem which she used to wear on her way to and from the State Opening of Parliament, a pearl necklace and earrings.

Normally, the designer's initials are on the neck truncation; however, they are not displayed here.

Given that Zambia has been a republic since its independence in 1964, it is not clear why the Queen is shown on the obverse.

Around above, the name of the issuing authority: BANK OF ZAMBIA. The date of issue, 2003, is divided by the portrait.

Around below, the face value 5000 KWACHA is divided by a small rendition of the Coat of Arms of Zambia, featuring a shield with wavy vertical lines surmounted by a pick and hoe, crossed, and an African fish eagle; the shield is supported by two figures - a man on the left and a woman on the right; a ribbon below should display the national motto, but is too small on the coin so it doesn't.

At centre, the reverse of the coin depicts two African elephants in a field. One of them is shown using its trunk to reach the branch of a tree for food

Around above, the name of the coin series: AFRICAN WILDLIFE.

Around below, · ELEPHANT and the precious metal content · 1 oz Ag 999 · (one troy ounce of 99.9% silver).

This is the last issue in the African Wildlife - Elephant series for Zambia. The 2004 Elephant was struck for Somalia, as well as all subsequent issues.