Namibia in transition coins - 1990

Dollar or mark?

These coins were released during the planning phase of the introduction of a new national currency replacing the South African rand. The newly founded Bank of Namibia minted a proof series of coins denominated in dollars as well as in marks, for the consideration of the Namibian Ministry of Finance. The decision then fell in favour of the name ‘dollar’ for the new currency.

You are bidding on the proof series consisting of four different coins: 1 mark, 1 dollar (both in copper/nickel), 10 marks and 10 dollars (both in silver). The recto of the mark pieces shows a sitting lion where the dollar pieces depict a Bushman (San people) with bow and arrow. All recto sides bear the indication of denomination as well as the remark ‘PROBE’/‘ESSAI’ (proof). The verso of the 1-mark/1-dollar pieces shows Namibia’s former coat of arms surrounded by the inscription ‘NAMIBIA’, the year 1990 and two ears of corn. The ten-mark/ten-dollar pieces bear the inscription ‘INDEPENDENCE’/‘UNABHÄNGIGKEIT’ (G. ‘independence’) instead of the ears. (Source: Wikipedia)

These coins are hard to find and in a very good state.