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This article is about the Zimbabwean coin issued from 1980 to 2003. For the piece of Rhodesia, see Rhodesian 10 cent coin. For the 2014 bond coin, see Zimbabwean 10 cent coin (bond).
10 cents

Zimbabwe 10 cents
2002 coin

Zimbabwe 10 cents 1999
1999 coin

General information
Country

Flag of Zimbabwe Zimbabwe

Value

Z$0.10

Years

19802003

Measurements and composition
Mass

3.8 g

Diameter

20 mm

Thickness
  • 1.5 mm (1980-1999)
  • 1.8 mm (2001-2003)
Composition
  • cupronickel (1980-1999)
  • nickel-plated steel (2001-2003)
Appearance
Shape

round

Alignment

medallic

Edge

plain

Obverse

Zimbabwe Bird, state title, year

Reverse

Baobab tree (Adansonia), value

v · d · e

The 10 cent coin is a former circulation piece of the Republic of Zimbabwe, issued in two varieties from 1980 to 2003. The first variety was introduced in 1980, shortly after the recognition of Zimbabwe's independence, and continued to be produced until 1999. It was followed by a similar coin in 2001, which only differed by its composition and measurements. This second variety was struck very briefly until 2003.

Both pieces were distributed by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ). The first was struck at the British Royal Mint in Llantrisant, Wales, and the second was produced at the Zimbabwe Mint in Bulawayo. Initially, the coins carried a legal tender face value of 0.10 Zimbabwean dollars, but after the redenomination of the dollar in 2005, they were eventually demonetized.

Pieces produced from 1980 to 1999 are composed of cupronickel and measure 1.5 millimeters in thickness, while those of later dates are made of a much cheaper alternative, nickel-plated steel, and measure a slightly larger 1.8 millimeters in thickness. In spite of these disparities, both varieties share a common mass of approximately 3.8 grams and a diameter of 20 millimeters. Regardless of variety, the 10 cent piece has medallic alignment and a plain edge, and like most coins, is round in shape. The rims of both the obverse and reverse are raised and undecorated.

Displayed in the middle of the obverse, designed by English artist Barry Stanton (1943–), is the Zimbabwe Bird. Such an illustration, as an official symbol of Zimbabwe, appears frequently on the nation's heraldry and official works, including its currency. Printed in a clockwise direction above the rendition, extending from the left to right rims, is the state title "ZIMBABWE". The Gregorian date of minting appears in the opposite direction below the Zimbabwe Bird. It is separated from the state title by two small diamond-shaped objects, with one at the lower left periphery and the other at the lower right rim. The reverse, designed by Zimbabwean artist Jeff Huntly (1931–2008), features a baobab tree (Adansonia) in its center. Two species of such a plant – the African baobab (Adansonia digitata) and montane African baobab (Adansonia kilima) – are native to parts of Zimbabwe and neighboring countries. Printed to the right of the tree, next to the trunk under a lower branch, is the number "10", identifying a face value of 10 cents.

The total mintage of the 10 cent coin is currently unknown. Business strikes exist from all twelve years of production, along with 15,000 proofs from 1980 and 5,500 proofs from 1997. The proofs were initially included solely in sets distributed by the government of Zimbabwe.

Mintages
1980 Cupronickel
1980 Proof 15,000
1983
1987
1988
1989
1991
1994
1997
1997 Proof 5,500
1999
2001 Nickel-plated steel
2002
2003

References[]

Template:Zimbabwean dollar

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