In 1964 Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to the United Republic of Tanzania. Both territories had gained their independence in the early 1960s they together formed a new state now. The currency of Tanzania is the shilingi (shilling in English), which is subdivided into 100 senti (or cents). It was introduced in 1966 to replace the East African shilling, the currency issued for use in the British controlled areas of East Africa. The shilingi shown here was issued in 1966, belongs thus to the very first Tanzanian coins. It bears the portrait of Julius Kambarage Nyerere, the countries first president (1964-1985). The words RAIS WA KWANZA are Swahili meanig exactly that, namely "first president." The reverse depicts the torch of liberty and the words SHILINGI MOJA ("moja" being Swahili for "one").