Lesotho

Lesotho maloti banknotes from the Central Bank of Lesotho, with the kingdom's kings, Basotho herd boys in mokorotlo hats and mountain waterfalls.

Notes from the mountain kingdom that lies entirely inside South Africa.

History and frequently asked questions below ↓

About Lesotho banknotes

Lesotho introduced its own currency, the loti (plural maloti), in 1980. It is pegged one to one to the South African rand, which also circulates in the country. The notes show the kings of Lesotho, from the founder Moshoeshoe I to Moshoeshoe II and Letsie III, together with the national coat of arms and its motto "Khotso, Pula, Nala" (Peace, Rain, Prosperity), and scenes of Basotho life and the Maloti mountains.

See also: African banknotes, South Africa and Eswatini (Swaziland).

Frequently asked questions

What is the currency of Lesotho?

The loti, plural maloti, divided into 100 lisente. It has been issued since 1980 and is worth the same as the South African rand.

Who is King Moshoeshoe I?

The founder of the Basotho nation in the early 19th century, who defended his people from the mountain stronghold of Thaba Bosiu.

What is the hat on Lesotho banknotes?

The mokorotlo, the cone-shaped woven straw hat that is a national symbol of the Basotho and also appears on the country's flag.

Are your Lesotho banknotes genuine?

Yes. Every Lesotho note we sell is a genuine banknote, never a copy or replica. Each listing states the grade, gives the Pick catalogue number and shows the front and back, and every order ships tracked from Hungary.