The Ground pangolin is one of eight pangolin species, four of which are found in Africa, with only the Ground pangolin being found in eastern and southern Africa. Those large overlapping scales on its body are made of keratin, the same stuff as your fingernails.
Although pangolins are often called "scaly anteaters," they are not closely related.
This coin was originally minted in solid brass in 1997 (KM12), then re-issued in brass-clad steel starting in 2001.
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