Transvaal: Rand Pioneers, "THEY DID THEIR LEVEL BEST"
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Form:
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Shield-shaped with ornate raised rim. Attached ring for a second ring. Uniface
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By:
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? |
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Date:
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1903 (?) |
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Ref:
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Laidlaw: 0817;
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Variations:
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| Size | Metal | Mass | Value |
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| 28.5 mm x 40.0 mm | Copper | 12.9 mm | $50 |
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Edge:
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Plain.
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Obverse:
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Divided into six panels for images and text. Top panel: “THEY DID THEIR LEVEL BEST (in an arc)”. Next down, a wagon on the left and a miner carrying pick and shovel on the right. In the center across: “RAND PIONEERS”. Next down, mine head-works beside a building. At the bottom: “1886-1890 (in an arc)”.
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Reverse:
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Blank
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Notes:
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Johannesburg was established as a small village in 1886 with the discovery of gold on the farm Langlaagte. The Rand Pioneers are considered to be the early developers of the Transvaal Goldfields who, through their activity, enterprise or industry, were founding members of Johannesburg society between 1886 and 1890. The Rand Pioneer Association was established on 8th July 1903 and membership was open to those who met these criteria. This medal probably dates from that time and could have been a membership badge.
A medal (Laidlaw: 0235) was made to honour those Rand Pioneers still alive in 1966 on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Johannesburg.
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