Title of state on the upper arch, two Bonga fishes and numeral denomination in the central circle, below - word denomination and the year of minting.

 Bonga fish (Ethmalosa fimbriata) is one of important trade fishes in some countries of West Africa.

 Inscription along the rim. President Milton Margai bust facing right in the center.

Sir Milton Augustus Strieby Margai (1895 - 1964) was the first prime minister of the Dominion of Sierra Leone.