Botswana 10-THEBE (KM5)¶
-
Reverse GEMSBOK (ORYX)
-
Obverse Coat of Arms
- Composition
- Copper-Nickel
- Country
- Botswana
- Approx. Size
- 22mm
- Area
- Africa
- Animal Class
- Mammals
- Species
- Oryx (Gemsbok)
- KM#
- 5
The Oryx is a grazing antelope that is specially adapted for hot and arid conditions. They have been known to gore lions with their long straight horns. Of the four species of Oryx, this particular fellow on the 10-thebe coin is most likely a Gemsbok (sometimes called a South African Oryx).
Botswana¶
- Area
- Africa
The area of Botswana was orginally occupied by the Bushmen, who unfortunately are dying off. Migrations from the north and east in the early 17th century have resulted in most of the present day population. The area was united in the early 19th century to deal with incursion threats from neighbouring areas. By the late 19th century, the area -- known as Bechuanaland -- enlisted the aid of Britain who made it a British protectorate. The northern part of Bechuanaland remained under Britain's wing until it became the independent Republic of Botswana in 1966. Botswana is known as 'the Gem of Africa.'
