Uganda Coins
Collecting coins is a beloved hobby for millions of people around the globe. Coins from Uganda in East Africa are unique in their style as each different kind has an amazing inscription or image that makes them enviable for collectors. The same can be said for coins and banknotes from countries all around Africa, where you can find exotic animals and important historical figures etched into the currency.
What Are the Different Types of Shillings?
- Old vs. New Shillings: The old shilling, a bronze or copper-nickel Ugandan coin featuring an engraved crested crane (the national bird of Uganda), was in circulation from the years 1966 to 1987 and is worth 100 cents. The new version—copper-plated steel versions—replaced the old shilling in 1987. The newer ones go up in multiples until they reach 10,000 shillings.
- Exchange rate: In terms of currency exchange rate, 1 USD (US dollar) is typically worth around 3,600 UGX (Uganda shillings), and 1 British pound (GBP) is worth around 500 Ugandan shillings, based on 2018 figures.
- Banknotes: As well as Ugandan coins, the currency in Uganda includes banknotes as well. They come in denominations up to and including 50,000 Uganda shillings.
What Special Commemorative Ugandan Coins Are There?
- 2002 Edition: One of the most notable and eye-catching coins from Uganda is the 5000 Ugandan Shillings coin released in 2002 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the first circumnavigation of Australia. The silver coin is shaped like the Australasian country and features the faces of a number of important figures in Australian navigational history, including Matthew Flinders and Baudin.
- 1994 World Cup Edition: Over the years there have been a number of coins to celebrate this major soccer event. One of the most notable of which is the XV World Cup anniversary edition produced in Uganda to commemorate the 1994 event in the United States.
- 1969 Release: Special shillings were released in 1969 to 1970 to celebrate the visit from then Pope, Pope Paul VI. This coin featured the head of the Catholic church's face as well as the date he visited.
- 2004 Zodiac Series: In 2004, the Ugandan Mint released a series of 100 shillings featuring various animals from the Chinese zodiac, including the monkey, ox, and dragon (among others). These UGX coins are made from stainless steel, and each animal is represented in two different styles.
- The Man Eaters Collection: One of the most special world coins comes from the Ugandan bank: the "Man Eaters" collection. These special editions are printed in color on silver-plated copper nickel coins, each featuring an animal capable of killing a man, such as the anaconda and the black bear.