Ultra-Rare Malawian Historical Medal – Limited to 50 Pieces

This exceptionally rare piece of Malawian history is seldom available. Due to the scarcity of information, we have compiled what we could find, though we cannot guarantee complete accuracy.

According to online sources—some of which are included in this listing—only 50 medals were commissioned by Spink & Sons Ltd in London at the request of the Malawian government in 1978. Among them, a single gold version is believed to have been presented to Queen Elizabeth II during her 1979 visit to Malawi.

Additionally, a cardboard gift note dated 1993, found within the medal case, further supports the claim of a low mintage of just 50 pieces.

This medal is round, measuring 57mm in diameter and 3mm thick.

Obverse:

The obverse features a portrait of President Kamuzu Banda, with an outer circumscription reading “ULENDO WA HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II KUMALAWI JULY 1979”, with a small circle below it. The inner circumscription reads “PRESIDENT KAMUZU BANDA”, and below Banda’s head is a small lion passant guardant over a sun rising above waves, enclosed by a small outer circle.

Reverse:

The reverse bears an outer circumscription reading “THE VISIT OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II TO MALAWI JULY 1979”, with a small circle below it. The inner circumscription reads “QUEEN ELIZABETH II”, with the Queen’s bust below it and the Royal Coat of Arms directly underneath, enclosed in a small outer circle.

Condition:

• There is a rim bump at 7:30 on the President Banda side, likely due to the medal being dropped at some stage.
• The fields on both the Obverse and Reverse have very fine surface scratches, visible under close inspection.

For those interested in a closer examination of this remarkable piece of Malawian history, please feel free to contact us for further details or to arrange a viewing.

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