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SA Union: 75h Anniversary Matatiele, Natal

SA Union: 75h Anniversary Matatiele, NatalSA Union: 75h Anniversary Matatiele, Natal
Form: Circular. Proof-like with frosted designs and mirror fields.
By: Pagliari / Cape Mint
Date: 1978
Ref:  Laidlaw: 1165;
Variations:
SizeMetalMassValue
45.0 mmGold (18ct)44.5 gm$1,300

Edge: Plain. Stamped with the Cape Mint hallmarks for 18ct gold and date letter for 1979: "CM G759 18CT (springbok head) F".

Obverse: Coat of arms of Matatiele with motto: "EX UNITATE PROGRESSUS". Signed: "PAGLIARI" below.

Reverse: Large: "75" in the middle. Legend above: "MUNISIPALITEIT . MATATIELE . MUNICIPALITY" and below between dashes: "1904-1979".

Notes: Comes inside a red fitted case from the Cape Mint. On the outside of the lid in gilt, coat of arms and: "MATATIELE" below. On the inside of the lid in gilt, coat of arms of the Cape Mine and below: "THE CAPE MINT / (PTY (LTD) / CAPE TOWN".

Matatiele is a small town serving the local farming community in East Griqualand located on the border between Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Eastern Cape.

The coat of arms on the obverse is an invention. The duck in flight comes from the word "matatiele" which in Sesotho means, "the ducks have gone".

Seventy of these medals were made and were sold at the time for R338 each. This particular medal was purchased by the mayor, Richard F. Earle. The receipt is numbered 16/70. The band of the Natal Carabineers performed for the festivities and the band master was presented with a medal. The prize for annual Berg Marathon between Kokstad and Matatiele in the 75th Anniversary year was one of these medals. Two medals had to be awarded because the race was tied between Mike Gird and Tony Levitt.