Lesotho is a small African nation located in the most southern part of the continent. Interestingly enough the country is located inside of South Africa. Yes, you heard me correct, its a country inside of a country. Their neighbor, eSwaitini (formerly Swaziland) is also in the same predicament. It is a Kingdom as well. The Kingdom gained independence from the British in 1966 and since then they have remained autonomous. The first official banknotes and coins of Lesotho did not begin to circulate until 1980. They had a date of 1979 and they came in denominations of 2, 5, 10 Maloti.
Source: Banknote World Educational
The First Lesotho Banknotes
The first Maloti banknotes were very bright, colorful and overall very artistic, in my opinion. They have African tribal patterns embedded in the design and it gives the design a very tasteful design. The Lesotho 10 Maloti features the coat of arms in the very center as well as King Moshoeshoe II on the right hand side. The king experienced a lot of political turmoil during his reign and his son King Letsie III is currently in power. The reverse features a man on a horse in front of crops. In 1989 a new redesigned series of banknotes were put into circulation. Also new denominations ranging up to 200 Maloti were printed too.
Source: Banknote World Educational
In 2010 a newly designed series of banknotes were released by the central bank. They feature King Moshoeshoe II, King Letsie III, and also King Moshoeshoe I on the front. They have anew modern design and up to date security features. The new Maloti also feature images of everyday life in Lesotho and also images of agriculture.
Source: Banknote World
