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reverse
Heritage Auctions Europe

2500 Shilingi – Tanzania

Non-circulating coins
Commemoration: Giraffe
Tanzania
Context
Year: 1998
Issuer: Tanzania Issuer flag
Period:
(since 1964)
Currency:
(since 1966)
Material
Diameter: 65 mm
Weight: 155.36 g
Silver weight: 155.36 g
Shape: Round
Composition: Silver
Standard: Silver 5 ounces
Magnetic: No
Technique: Milled
References
KM: #Click to copy to clipboard36
Numista: #173729
Value
Exchange value: 2500 TZS
Bullion value: $450.65

Obverse

Inscription:
TANZANIA

UHURU NA UMOJA

1998
Translation:
TANZANIA

FREEDOM AND UNITY

1998
Script: Latin
Language: Swahili

Reverse

Inscription:
SERENGETI WILDLIFE

GIRAFFE

2500

SHILINGI ELFU MBILI MIA TANO
Translation:
SERENGETI WILDLIFE

GIRAFFE

2500

TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED SHILLINGS
Script: Latin
Language: Swahili

Edge

Reeded

Categories

Symbols> Coat of Arms

Mints

NameMark
Royal Mint

Mintings

YearMint MarkMintageQualityCollection
1998

Historical background

In 1998, Tanzania's currency situation was characterized by a period of relative stability and consolidation following a major monetary reform. Just two years prior, in 1996, the country had introduced the new Tanzanian shilling (TZS), replacing the old shilling at a rate of 1:1000. This redenomination was a crucial step to simplify transactions, restore public confidence in the currency, and curb high inflation that had plagued the economy in the early 1990s. By 1998, the new shilling was firmly established as the sole legal tender, and the government, under President Benjamin Mkapa, was actively pursuing structural adjustment programs endorsed by the IMF and World Bank.

The macroeconomic context was one of cautious optimism. Inflation, which had exceeded 30% in the early 1990s, was brought down to approximately 12-15% by 1998 through tight fiscal and monetary policies. The exchange rate regime was a managed float, with the Bank of Tanzania intervening to smooth out excessive volatility. The shilling experienced a gradual and controlled depreciation against major currencies like the US dollar, a trend considered necessary to maintain export competitiveness but managed to avoid the sharp, destabilizing devaluations of the past. This stability was supported by improved foreign exchange reserves and ongoing donor support for economic reforms.

However, underlying challenges persisted. The economy remained heavily dependent on agriculture and vulnerable to external shocks. While the formal currency market was stable, a significant parallel foreign exchange market still existed, though less dominant than in previous years. The government's focus was on deepening financial sector reforms, improving revenue collection, and encouraging private investment to foster sustainable growth. Thus, the currency situation in 1998 reflected a transitional phase—having moved beyond the crises of the past but still grappling with the foundational reforms needed for long-term monetary stability and economic development.

Series: Serengeti Wildlife

2500 Shilingi obverse
2500 Shilingi reverse
2500 Shilingi
1998
2500 Shilingi obverse
2500 Shilingi reverse
2500 Shilingi
1998
2500 Shilingi obverse
2500 Shilingi reverse
2500 Shilingi
1998
2500 Shilingi obverse
2500 Shilingi reverse
2500 Shilingi
1998
2500 Shilingi obverse
2500 Shilingi reverse
2500 Shilingi
1998
10000 Shilingi obverse
10000 Shilingi reverse
10000 Shilingi
1998
500 Shilingi obverse
500 Shilingi reverse
500 Shilingi
1998
Legendary