Zambia – 1979 – 250 Kwacha – African Wild Dog – Gold – Proof PR69DCAM

Certification details

PCGS Certification number: 55922333

Grade: PR69DCAM

Nominal value: 250 Kw

Year: 1979

Name: 1979 250 Kw African Wild Dog KM-20 Au, DCAM

Country: Zambia

Major Variety: African Wild Dog

Catalog Number: PCGS 900074

PCGS Catalog Number: 900074

This rare Zambian gold coin was issued in 1979 as part of the Conservation Series and features the African wild dog, one of the iconic animal species of southern Africa, on its reverse. This issue is among the most sought-after modern gold coins with a wildlife motif, combining a classic African theme with a very low proof mintage.

The obverse features a right-facing portrait of Kenneth D. Kaunda, Zambia’s first president. Above it is the country name “ZAMBIA,” and below is the year of issue, 1979. The reverse depicts a striding African wild dog across stylized ground, with the denomination “250 KWACHA” below. The design is by Norman Sillman, and the coin was minted by the Royal Mint in Llantrisant.

This issue is particularly interesting due to its combination of high gold content, low proof mintage, and independent PCGS certification. The coin was graded PR69DCAM by PCGS, making it the highest-graded issue in the PCGS Top Pop series. It also exhibits the strong contrast between reflective and frosted relief areas typical of proof coins.

With a proof mintage of only 245 pieces, the 250 Kwacha gold coin “African Wild Dog” is significantly rarer than many well-known modern collector gold coins. Furthermore, it belongs to a series that is equally sought after by collectors of African gold coins, conservation issues, and rare animal motif coins.

Technical data

Country: Zambia

Year: 1979

Nominal value: 250 Kwacha

Motif: African Wild Dog

Series: Conservation Series

Material: Gold

Fineness: 900/1000

Weight: 33.63g

Net weight: 0.9731 oz, approx. 30.27 g

Diameter: 34 mm

Edge: ribbed

Minting quality: Proof

Mintage figure: 245

Mint: Royal Mint, Llantrisant

Certification: PCGS PR69DCAM – Top Pop

Cert number: 55922333

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