Rhodesia: Independence, Ian Smith / Flame Lily
|
|
|
Form:
|
Circular. Proof-like.
|
By:
|
John Pinches, London |
Date:
|
1967-8 |
Ref:
|
Laidlaw: 1068b;
|
Variations:
|
Size | Metal | Mass | Value |
---|
24.8 mm | Silver | 9.1 gm | $25 |
|
Edge:
|
Plain. Stamped with the maker;'s mark: "JP" and the London hallmarks for 1967-8.
|
Obverse:
|
Bare head of Ian Smith, left and slightly front. Legend above: "RHODESIA" and below: "1965". Stamped below bust with the issue number. This medal: "S113".
|
Reverse:
|
Flame Lily. Legend above between stops: "INDEPENDENCE" and below: "FREEDOM.PEACE.JUSTICE".
|
Notes:
|
Comes inside a blue oblong case lined on the inside with white silk-like and blue velvet-like material. The case contains two medal with the same issue number, this medal and a larger medal with the same obverse but different reverse (Laidlaw 1068a).
Rhodesia declared unilateral independence (UDI) from Britain on 11th November 1965. During Second World War Ian Smith was a fighter pilot who fought for Britain (as did many other Rhodesians). The choice of Armistice Day for the UDI symbolised the bitterness of betrayal that many Rhodesians felt towards Britain.
|