The 1979 1 loti is the top value of Lesotho’s first series of circulating coins: seven denominations, from 1 sente to 1 loti, entered circulation in January 1980 and gave the mountain kingdom everyday coinage of its own for the first time.

The obverse shows King Moshoeshoe II in military uniform with the legend «KINGDOM OF LESOTHO H.M.MOSHOESHOE II». The reverse sets the value beside the national arms: a shield bearing a crocodile, emblem of the ruling Bakoena house, flanked by supporters above a ribbon with the Sesotho motto «Khotso, Pula, Nala» — «Peace, Rain, Prosperity».

Moshoeshoe II became Lesotho’s first king in 1966, when the former protectorate of Basutoland gained independence; he was educated at Oxford. The cupronickel loti crowns the series and makes a natural centrepiece for a Lesotho collection or a set of African monarchies.

Grade UNC: the coin never circulated, shows no wear and keeps its mint lustre, with only minor bag marks possible. For the first year of the type, that is the ideal choice for a date run.

If you collect coins by country or by theme, take a look at the VPcoins catalogue: it is a convenient place to find the neighbouring pieces of a series.