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Details:
Proof Krugerrand
1/4 oz Coin Metal: 22ct Gold Mass: 8.482 grams Diameter: 22mm
Proof Burgers Commemorative Medal Fine Beard
1/4 oz Metal: 22ct Gold Mass: 8.482 grams Diameter: 22mm
Proof Burgers Commemorative Medal Coarse Beard
1/4 oz Metal: 22ct Gold Mass: 8.482 grams Diameter: 22mm
Description:
EXTRACTED FROM SOUTH AFRICA'S FIRST GOLD COIN
BY RESEARCHER MATTY ESTERHUYSEN
Specimen No 1 - Fine Beard:
Beard on the effigy of the President shows one thick front point, then two longer and thinner points, followed by three short points, The front of the beard is wavy. The burr on the obverse of the coin shows a double ring. The impression of the
effigy is very sharp.
Specimen No 2 - Coarse Beard:
The beard shows four thick points, the front pair being shorter than the back. The beard is heavier and flatter in curvature. The burr is on the edge of the reverse. The impression is fainter than in specimen No1. He declared that very few of the number two specimens are known to numismatists at that time, and that it was the first time a comparison of the two mintings of the Burgersponde has been recorded for the information of collectors. The dies in the collection of the National Cultural History and Open-Air Museum as well as an obverse and reverse die in the South African Mint Museum were examined very thoroughly.
Source:South Africa's First Gold Coin
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President Burgers realised that some of this gold could be used for providing the Republiek's own gold coins. The Burgers Pond became the first official coinage issued by the Republiek. The Bust of the bearded President encircled by his name and the date "1874" was depicted on the obverse of the gold One Pond. On the reverse the Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek's coat of arms was featured.
In 1873, the refined gold was delivered to Ralph Heaton and Sons in Birmingham for the production of 837 pounds. Sixteen dies and two punches were manufactured by the modeller and engraver of the Royal Mint, and the first 695 Burgers Ponde were received on 25 July 1874. Various patterns in bronze and aluminium were also struck.
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