Tanzania Shilingi

Tanzania 1 shilingi, 1983

Metal: copper-nickel
Diameter: 27.5mm
Obverse: Head of president J.K. Nyrere
Reverse: torch in hand
Designer: Christopher Ironside

Tanzania 10 Shilingi, 1991

Metal: copper-nickel
Diameter: 29mm
Reverse: national arms
Designer: Philip Nathan

Tanzania coat of arms

The coat of arms of Tanzania comprises a warrior’s shield which bears a golden portion on the upper part followed underneath by the flag of Tanzania.

The golden portion represents minerals in the United Republic; the red portion underneath the flag symbolizes the rich fertile soil of Africa; while the wavy bands represent the land, sea, lakes and coastal lines of the United Republic.

In the golden part of the flag there appears a burning torch signifying freedom (UHURU), enlightenment and knowledge; a spear signifying defence of freedom and crossed axe and hoe being tools that the people of the Tanzania use in developing the country.

The shield stands upon the representation of Mount Kilimanjaro. Elephant tusks are supported by a man and a woman, with a clove bush at the feet of the man and a cotton bush at the feet of the woman indicating the theme of co-operation.

The United Republic motto – Uhuru na Umoja – is written in Swahili and means "Freedom and Unity".

20 shilingi, 1992

Weight: 13gm
Metal: Nickel bonded steel
Diameter: 31mm
Obverse: President Mwinyi flanked by flowers
Reverse: elephant with calf
Shape: 7 sided

50 shilingi, 1996

Metal: brass plated steel
Obverse: president Mwinyi
Reverse: Rhino with calf
Designer: Philip Nathan

100 shilingi, 1994

Metal: brass plated steel
Obverse: head of Nyerere
Reverse: Impalas running

200 shilingi, 1998

Metal: copper-nickel-zinc
Obverse: Head of Sheikh Karume
Obverse: two lions