| Form: |
Circular. The bronzed medal has an attached lug for suspension. |
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| By: |
South African Mint |
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| Date: |
1961 |
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| Ref: |
AM2: 355; Laidlaw: 0035; |
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| Variations: |
| Size | Metal | Mass | Value |
|---|
| 31.1 mm |
9ct Gold |
18.3 gm |
$250 |
| 31.2 mm |
Silver |
17.9 gm |
$30 |
| 31.1 mm |
Matt Bronze |
14.8 gm |
$15 |
| 31.5 mm |
Bronzed Base Metal |
|
$5 |
|
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| Edge: |
Plain.
|
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| Obverse: |
The coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa with supporters, lion crest and motto: “EX UNITAE VIRES”
|
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| Reverse: |
Cape Town Castle rendered in a pentagonal shape, interior roughened, across: “31–5–1961”.
Silver medal stamped at the foot: "(lion head) STG m (for 1960) or n (for 1961) S.A.M".
|
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| Notes: |
Set of three issued in a blue oblong case lined with white silk marked: "SAM" and blue velvet.
Silver medal issued singly in a similar square case.
The bronzed medal with lug was issued to all school children. It is probably the most common
of all South African medals.
Under international pressures over its apartheid policy, South Africa withdrew from the British Commonwealth
in March 1961. On 30th May Charles Robberts Swart resigned from his position as Governor-General with the
result that Queen Elizabeth II ceased to be the Head of State. The following day South Africa declared itself
to be a republic and C.R. Swart was reappointed, but now as the country’s first State President.
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