Summary

20 Cents or 2 shillings, Issued by Republic of Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), 1964
Mint not recorded

Obverse Description

Diademed and draped bust of the Queen facing right; around, ELIZABETH THE SECOND

Reverse Description

The crest from the coat of arms, a native headdress; around above, RHODESIA, around below, 2/- . 1964 . 20c

Edge Description

Milled

Significance

In 1953 Southern Rhodesia and the British Protectorate of Northern Rhodesia were joined as the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. This Federation broke up in 1963 with Zambia and Malawi forming out of the old Northern Rhodesia. Southern Rhodesia was not granted independence by Britain because of problems with its white minority rule but in 1965 declared its independence. Britain and the United Nations imposed economic sanctions but it was not until 1978 that representative government was achieved. In 1980 Britain granted independent rule and the country became the Republic of Zimbabwe. This coin was issued during the period after the break up of the Federation and before the claim of independence.

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