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- Spot Silver Price: $30.01
Silver coins were in regular circulation in East Africa. The values below represent the intrinsic value of silver coins from East Africa.
East Africa silver coins that are in uncirculated condition, or that may be rare and collectible may also have numismatic value. You can use this table as a guide when buying and selling circulated silver coins from East Africa.
The melt values are calculated and displayed in USD based on the today's silver spot price of $30.01 per troy ounce.
| Denomination / Currency | Years Minted | Fineness | Gross Weight (g) | ASW (g) | ASW (oz t) | Melt Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Cents | 1906- 1918 | .800 | 2.92 | 2.34 | .0751 | $2.25 |
| 25 Cents | 1920 | .500 | 2.92 | 1.46 | .0469 | $1.41 |
| 50 Cents | 1906- 1919 | .800 | 5.83 | 4.66 | .15 | $4.50 |
| 50 Cents | 1920 | .500 | 5.83 | 2.92 | .0937 | $2.81 |
| 50 Cents | 1921- 1944 | .250 | 3.88 | 0.97 | .0312 | $0.94 |
| 1 Florin | 1920- 1921 | .500 | 11.66 | 5.83 | .1874 | $5.62 |
| 1 Shilling | 1921- 1946 | .250 | 7.78 | 1.95 | .0625 | $1.88 |
The Swahili coast, stretching from modern-day Somalia to Mozambique, was a vibrant trading hub linked to the Indian Ocean trade network. Arab traders brought silver coins, such as the dirham, which were used alongside other forms of currency.
The Sultanate of Zanzibar, established in the 19th century, issued its own silver coins. These coins featured Arabic inscriptions and were used in local and international trade, reflecting the region's strong connections with the Arab world.
In the late 19th century, the British established control over parts of East Africa, leading to the creation of the East African Protectorate (modern-day Kenya) and Uganda Protectorate.
During this period, the Indian rupee, which contained a significant silver content, became the standard currency. This was due to the substantial Indian presence in East Africa, as Indian laborers were brought to work on the Uganda Railway.
The rupee coins, minted in silver, facilitated trade and economic stability in the region. They featured designs similar to those used in British India, with inscriptions in English and local languages.
In 1920, the British established the East African Currency Board (EACB) to issue and regulate currency in British East Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika (now part of Tanzania), and Zanzibar.
The EACB introduced the East African shilling, which was pegged to the British pound. Silver coins were issued in denominations of 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents, and 1 shilling. These coins featured the effigy of the reigning British monarch and local motifs.
Composition: The early silver coins were made from 92.5% sterling silver until 1946, after which the silver content was reduced due to rising costs. Post-1946 coins contained 50% silver.
In the post-independence era, East African nations have issued commemorative silver coins to celebrate significant national events, anniversaries, and cultural heritage. These coins are primarily intended for collectors and are not used in everyday transactions.