For its 50th birthday, the Bank of Botswana unveiled a 50 pula note that blends finance, national pride, and Olympic glory.
On 12 September 2025, during its golden jubilee in Gaborone, the Bank of Botswana revealed a 50 pula commemorative note. The design features the Bank’s headquarters, a 2,492-carat diamond (discovered in 2024), Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo, and Botswana’s silver-winning 4×400m relay team. Note: as of now, official details on circulation date, security features, and signatures remain pending. Sources: Botswana Presidency, YourBotswana, MRI Guide.
Background
Botswana isn’t a country that churns out commemoratives every year. So when it does, the numismatic world pays attention. This note is more than just currency — it’s a statement. The Bank of Botswana, celebrating half a century since its founding in 1975, wanted a design that captured both national stability and the meteoric rise of its athletes. With Letsile Tebogo breaking records and a diamond big enough to embarrass jewellery stores worldwide, the choice of themes almost wrote itself.
Disclaimer: while the design was officially unveiled, specifications such as paper type, dimensions, and circulation plans have not yet been published.
Design highlights Botswana 50 pula commemorative
On the front, the Bank’s HQ appears alongside a jubilee logo and the image of a giant diamond discovered in 2024. On the reverse, sport dominates: Letsile Tebogo, Africa’s first Olympic 200m gold medalist, is depicted in full stride, with Botswana’s 4×400m relay squad who secured silver at the same Games.
Tech Specs (announced / pending)
- Denomination
- 50 pula (BWP)
- Occasion
- 50th anniversary of the Bank of Botswana
- Front
- Bank HQ, anniversary logo, large diamond (2024)
- Back
- Letsile Tebogo, 4×400m relay team
- Revealed
- 12 Sep 2025, Gaborone
- Official details
- Size, substrate, and security features not yet disclosed
Collector’s angle: Botswana 50 pula commemorative are rare and tend to be eagerly chased. Even without full specs, this P50 is already on the radar of collectors looking for modern African issues that combine natural wealth with global sporting fame.
Quick Answers Botswana 50 pula commemorative
Why issue a commemorative 50 pula note?
Who is featured?
What’s on the front?
When will it circulate?
Is it legal tender?
Highlights Facts • Collector Tips • Did You Know?
Facts
- Issued for the Bank of Botswana’s golden jubilee (1975–2025).
- Denomination: 50 pula, with a commemorative design.
- Unveiled in Gaborone, 12 Sep 2025.
Collector Tips
- Watch for official BOB circulars before buying UNC sets.
- Be wary of unofficial “souvenir” prints sold online.
- Pair with Botswana’s diamond-related issues for thematic depth.
Did You Know?
- The 2,492-carat diamond from Karowe Mine is the second largest in history.
- Tebogo is Africa’s first Olympic 200m gold medalist.
- “Pula” means “rain” in Setswana, symbolizing blessing and prosperity.
