50 Dollars 2012, Namibia
in Krause book | Number: 13 |
Years of issue: | 15.05.2012 |
Edition: | |
Signatures: | Governor: Iipumbu Wendelinus Shiimi (in office 25 March 2010 - 1 June 2020) |
Serie: | 2012 Series |
Specimen of: | 15.05.2012 |
Material: | Cotton fiber |
Size (mm): | 140 х 70 |
Printer: | South African Bank Note Company (Pty) Ltd, Pretoria |
* All pictures marked are increased partially by magnifying glass, the remaining open in full size by clicking on the image.
** The word "Specimen" is present only on some of electronic pictures, in accordance with banknote images publication rules of appropriate banks.

Description
Watermark:
Hendrik Witbooi.
Avers:
The engraving on banknote is, probably, made from this photo. The date and author of the photo are unknown.
Hendrik Witbooi (c. 1830 - 29 October 1905) was a king of the Namaqua people, a sub-tribe of the Khoikhoi. He lived in present day Namibia. Witbooi is regarded as one of the national heroes of Namibia.
Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi was the first African leader who took up arms against the German imperialists and foreign occupiers in defense of our land and territorial integrity. We, the new generation of the Land of the Brave, are inspired by Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi's revolutionary action in combat against the German Imperialists who colonized and oppressed our peoples. To his revolutionary spirit and his visionary memory we humbly offer our honor and respect.
Right of him is the parliament building in Windhoek, Namibia's capital.
The Tintenpalast (German for "Ink Palace") is the seat of both chambers of the Namibian legislature, the National Council and the National Assembly. It is located in the Namibian capital of Windhoek, just north of Robert Mugabe Avenue. It was designed by German architect Gottlieb Redecker and built by the company Sander & Kock between 1912 and 1913 out of regional materials as an administration building for the German government, which colonized Namibia at the time. As an allusion to the large ink usage by the workers in the building, it was named "Tintenpalast" or "Ink Palace". The building is surrounded by the Parliament Gardens which is very popular among the inhabitants of Windhoek.
Denominations in numerals are in top left and bottom right corners. In words on the left side.
Revers:
Five Greater Kudu antelopes (Tragelaphus Strepsiceros).
One of the tallest and longest-horned antelopes, the greater kudu can weigh up to 600 pounds with horns up to 6 feet in length. The greater kudu is found throughout eastern and southern Africa, in mixed woodlands, bushlands, hills and mountains. It feeds on leaves, flowers and fruits and can live up to 8 years in the wild. The greater kudu is characterized by its narrow body, long legs, large ears and brown coat with white vertical torso stripes. Both the greater kudu and the lesser kudu have distinctive stripes and spots covering their bodies, and males have fringe under their chins and impressive spiral horns.
Namibian coat of arms is on the top.
The arms are blazoned as follows:
Flag of Namibia: Tierced per bend sinister Azure, and Vert, a bend sinister Gules fimbriated Argent and in dexter chief a Sun with twelve straight rays Or charged with an annulet Azure.
Crest: Upon a traditional head-ring Vert charged with six lozenges conjoined Or, a fish eagle rising wings elevated and displayed proper.
Supporters: Two oryx proper.
Compartment: A Namib sand dune with a Welwitschia mirabilis on the foreground.
Motto: "Unity, Liberty, Justice".
Oryx - The oryx is a large antelope of striking appearance with long, spearlike horns. It has a thick, horse like neck with a short mane and a compact, muscular body. A defined pattern of black markings that contrast with the white face and fawn-colored body are prominently displayed in dominance rituals to emphasize the length of horns and strength of the shoulder. The head is marked with black triangular patches and broad black stripes that extend from the base of the horns over the eyes to the cheeks. Originally, various oryx species were found in all of Africa's arid regions.
The Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina). The Lesser Spotted Eagle breeds in Central and Eastern Europe and southeastward to Turkey, and winters in Africa.
Welwitschia mirabilis grows in isolated communities in the Namib Desert, in a narrow strip, about 1 000 km along up the coast from the Kuiseb River in central Namibia to Mossamedes in southern Angola. The plants are seldom found more than 100 to 150 km from the coast, and their distribution coincides with the fog belt. Welwitschia is still common in its habitat and shows variability, which is a sign that it is far from extinction. They are neither endangered nor rare, nevertheless they are protected by law. Bushmen tribes call this plant "great lord".
Denominations in numerals are in top left and bottom right corners.
Comments:
1. Glossy prints, Bank initials "BON" and the denomination number "50" become shiny and are visible on the front side when the note is tilted.
2. When the note is held up against the light the Bank initials "BON" are complete.
3. When tilted the Bank logo changes colour from gold to green, and the rolling bar moves up and down. The banknote value "50" appears on the right.
4. Engraved Portrait of Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi.
5. Relief marks for the visually impaired.
6. Watermark : the portrait of Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi and the banknote value "50" appear when the note is held up against the light.
7. The security thread changes colour from green to a split of magenta and blue.
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