- This article is about the Zimbabwean coin issued from 1980 to 1999. For the piece of Rhodesia, see Rhodesian 5 cent coin. For the 2014 bond coin, see Zimbabwean 5 cent coin (bond).
| 5 cents | |
|---|---|
| |
| 1997 coin | |
| General information | |
| Country |
|
| Value |
Z$0.05 |
| Years |
1980–1999 |
| Measurements and composition | |
| Mass |
2.5 g |
| Diameter |
17 mm |
| Thickness |
1.38 mm |
| Composition | |
| Appearance | |
| Shape |
round |
| Alignment |
medallic |
| Edge |
plain |
| Obverse |
Zimbabwe Bird, state title, year |
| Reverse | |
| v · d · e | |
The 5 cent coin is a former circulation piece of the Republic of Zimbabwe, issued in a single type from 1980 to 1999. It was distributed by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, and produced at the Royal Mint in Llantrisant, Wales. Initially holding a legal tender face value of 0.05 Zimbabwean dollars, the piece was eventually demonetized following the redenomination of the dollar in 2005. As such, it is no longer valid.
The coin is composed of a cupronickel alloy and measures 2.5 grams in mass, 17 millimeters in diameter, and approximately 1.38 millimeters in thickness. It has medallic alignment and a plain edge, and like most coins, is round in shape. The rims of both sides are raised and undecorated.
The obverse, designed by English artist Barry Stanton (1943–), features the Zimbabwe Bird in its center. As a national symbol of Zimbabwe, this image appears frequently on the country's heraldry and official works, including its currency. On the piece, printed above this central illustration is the state title "ZIMBABWE", which extends clockwise from the left to right rims. The Gregorian date of minting, written in Western Arabic numerals, is displayed below the Zimbabwe Bird, arched in a counterclockwise direction at the bottom periphery. It is separated from the state title by two diamond-shaped objects, one on each side of the obverse. Engraved in the middle of the reverse, designed by Zimbabwean artist Jeff Huntly (1931–2008), is a left-facing rendition of a Jameson's red rock hare (Pronolagus randensis), a species of hare native to Zimbabwe and neighboring countries. The numeral "5", identifying a face value of 5 cents, is inscribed above the animal's back in a large, serifed font.
The total mintage of the 5 cent piece is currently unknown. Business strikes exist for all twelve years of production, and an additional 15,000 proofs are recorded to have been struck in 1980, followed by 5,500 in 1997. All of the proofs were initially included in sets sold by the Zimbabwean government.
| Years | |
|---|---|
| Year | Mintage |
| 1980 | |
| 1980 Proof | 15,000 |
| 1982 | |
| 1983 | |
| 1985 | |
| 1988 | |
| 1989 | |
| 1990 | |
| 1991 | |
| 1995 | |
| 1997 | |
| 1997 Proof | 5,500 |
| 1999 | |
References[]
- Numismatic Guaranty Corporation – Zimbabwe Cent KM# 2 (1980–1999)
- Numista – 5 Cents - Zimbabwe (1980–1999)
- Numismatic Dimensions – Coins of Zimbabwe
- Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe – Mints
Zimbabwean dollar on the English Wikipedia
Template:Zimbabwean dollar