The E-Sylum:  Volume 9, Number 42, October 15, 2006, Article 12

SWAZILAND OUTLAWS DEFACEMENT OF COINS AND BANKNOTES

In other grave-related numismatic news, Swaziland has enacted
legislation designed to stop "spiritual prophets" from defacing
coins and banknotes and depositing them on tombs and gravesites:

"The Central Bank of Swaziland urges spiritual prophets to stop
prophesying against the law that establishes the bank as the fine
for contravening such legislation has increased to E10 000."

"There are people who put coins on top of tombs and others throw
them into rivers in response to demands of the so-called sacred
snakes that could cause havoc in the Kingdom in the event they are
not respected. The prophets are yet to explain how the snakes trade
because money is used for such purpose.

Others claim to have been visited by their dead relatives who
instructed them to put some money on top of their graves. In some
religious establishments, they use it as necklaces after they had
bore them."

[The article also notes that coin collectors who take coins out
of circulation could be fined unless they first register with the
government. -Editor]

"He said the bank recognised coin collectors in line with
international practice but wanted proof that one was a registered
coin collector. He said a formal application for some coins would
have to be submitted to the Central Bank of Swaziland.

There are people who use coins for display or advertisement in
their home countries but indications are that Swaziland is likely
to have a few or no coin collectors altogether who could be granted
permission to use the coins for legal and promotional purposes."

To read the complete article, see: Full Story

  Wayne Homren, Editor

	coinbooks.org Web

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