Zambian Wildlife

In early 2025, the Central Bank of Zambia issued its new 2024 Series kwacha bank notes. One of my favorites in this beautiful and colorful series is the 10-kwacha note. 

Unique Design 

On the face is the Bank of Zambia’s logo, which is a stylized fish eagle—Zambia’s national animal. Also appearing on this side are a soaring fish eagle, a view of the Kariba Dam, and several security devices. I assumed the roosting fish eagle was some sort of vulture, but this view makes it easier to see how impressive the bird is in flight. Interestingly enough, the dam is pictured from Zimbabwe, which is probably fine since it is shared between the two nations.

The back of the note shows Kabwelume Falls, a Zambezi teak tree, and a pair of pangolins, along with a number of security features. I was surprised to not find any micro- printing on this note. Either my eyesight is failing, or the printers are getting better at hiding micro-printing. But the note still has some amazing security features. 

Security devices that can be seen easily on both sides are an offset register, which when viewed in front of a light source combines to make a complete image of a flower. A segmented security thread shows dynamic movement when tilted. There is also a fish eagle watermark, and a black light reveals a small ultraviolet response on the front of the note. Latent images and graphic background designs complete the security of this note, and raised print features on this composite substrate are useful for the visually impaired. 

Unified by Color

My favorite feature may not be a security device, but rather a unifying design element of this new family of notes. Each has a single background color, and a central portion of both sides are printed in a contrasting color that is the main color of the next higher denomination. The 10 kwacha is predominately green, and the central red motifs reflect the main color of the 20-kwacha note. The central portion of the highest denomination, the 500 kwacha, is the same green color as this
10 kwacha.

Endangered Mammals

The reverse of the 10 kwacha stands out because it shows pangolins. These extremely endangered mammals reproduce in small quantities. They are covered with scales, which are made up of the same material as our fingernails. The scales are highly valued for their supposed health benefits—far beyond what our fingernails offer. In addition, they are killed for their meat that is considered to be a nutritious delicacy. The pangolin can roll itself up like an armadillo, and its sharp scales are designed to protect it from predators. Some pangolins are able to emit a noxious odor similar to that of a skunk. But despite the pangolin’s defenses, no one has figured out how to protect the species from trafficking, and they are critically endangered. They are not well suited to be raised in captivity. Fortunately, scientists have not given up on the preservation of this fantastic beast.

I was able to purchase this 10-kwacha note at a very reasonable price pretty close to its release date. It is the lowest denomination in the new series, with a face value of only around 40-50 cents at the time of this article’s writing. 

Any collector who likes notes with colorful designs, innovative security features, or depictions of dams, birds, trees, or waterfalls will enjoy this specimen. I may be mistaken, but this might be the only bank note that depicts pangolins. Collectors will want to add this note to their numismatic zoo! It is readily available through world bank note dealers or online sources. Contact me and I will share my source.

Look for a video about this bank note soon on my YouTube channel, Numismatic Notes with Benjamin, Have a jewel of a day! 

---

A version of this article appears in the August 2025 issue of The Numismatist (money.org)