RSA (Pre-1994): Bartolomeu Dias, 500th Anniversary of Voyage Round the Cape of Good Hope
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Form:
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Circular
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By:
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I.M. (?) |
Date:
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1988 |
Ref:
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Laidlaw: 0595d;
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Variations:
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Size | Metal | Mass | Value |
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38.2 mm | Copper-Nickel | 19.8 | $10 |
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Edge:
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Plain.
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Obverse:
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Within a part-circular line, port broadside view of a Portuguese caravel with cross on the sail. In large letters below: “DIAS88”. Signed: "I.M." at the foot. Legend: "500 YEAR CELEBRATION".
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Reverse:
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Flag pole flying the coat of arms of Portugal to right. Christian cross behind. Legend above: "BARTOLOMEU DIAS" and below: "1488-1988".
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Notes:
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The Portuguese navigator, Bartolomeu Dias, led an expedition in 1488 in an attempt to discover a sea route to India. He was the first European known to have rounded the Cape of Good Hope which he named the Cape of Storms.
"DIAS88" was the catch-name given to the the celebrations in South Africa to mark the quin-centenary.
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