40 Kenyan Shillings Commemorative coin (2003)

40 Kenyan Shillings — 40 Years of Independence (Issued 2003)

The bimetallic 40 shillings was struck in 2003 as a commemorative circulating coin marking the fortieth anniversary of Kenya’s independence, gained in 1963. Issued during the first year of President Mwai Kibaki’s administration, it pairs a golden-coloured centre with a silver-coloured outer ring, giving it a substantial, two-tone appearance that set it apart from the ordinary circulation coinage of the period. Its milled edge and firm weight made it easy to distinguish by touch.

On the obverse appears the portrait of President Mwai Kibaki facing slightly to the viewer’s right, encircled by the legend “THIRD PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA H.E. MWAI KIBAKI CGH, MP” following the raised rim. The portrait sits on the golden inner disc, framed by the silver ring and a beaded inner border.

On the reverse, the centre carries the national coat of arms of Kenya — two lions supporting a traditional Maasai shield and crossed spears above a cockerel, standing over the motto scroll. The value “40” appears prominently on the golden centre with “FORTY SHILLINGS” below, while the surrounding legend reads “COMMEMORATING 40 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE 1963-2003”.

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