SA Union: First Union Parliament: Duke of Connaught
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Form:
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Circular
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By:
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W.J.D. (?) |
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Date:
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1910 |
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Ref:
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AM2: 122 (White Metal); Laidlaw: 0177;
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Variations:
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| Size | Metal | Mass | Value |
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| 38.7 mm | Copper | 21.8 gm | $55 | | 38.6 mm | Silvered Copper | 21.7 gm | $55 | | 38.5 mm | White Metal | 17.2 gm | $25 |
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Edge:
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Plain.
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Obverse:
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Uniformed bust of the Duke of Connaught, left and slightly to the front, superimposed on a background of a map of South Africa with laurel sprigs to the left and right. The map identifies the old colonies forming the Union: “CAPE COLONY”, “NATAL”, “ORANGE FREE STATE” and “T[RANSVA]AL”. All but the first “T” and the last “AL” of TRANSVAAL are obscured by the Duke’s right shoulder. In an arc above, and divided by the Duke’s head: “19- - 10 ”. Signed: “J.W.D.” on the right truncation. Legend on a raised band: “OPENING OF THE FIRST UNION PARLIAMENT BY H.R.H. DUKE OF CONNAUGHT” with a stop at the foot.
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Reverse:
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Clasped hands across superimposed on a palm frond. Above in an arc on a scroll: “UNION IS STRENGTH”. Below on a cartouche: “ONE / DESTINY”. Legend on a raised band: “IN COMMEMORATION OF THE UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA” with a stop at the foot.
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Notes:
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The Union of South Africa came into force on 31 May 1910. General elections were held on 15 September for the 121 seats in the House of Assembly. The first session of the Union Parliament was opened in Parliament House, Cape Town, on 4 November 1910.
The Duke of Connaught was the third son of Queen Victoria. He traveled to South Africa on the Union-Castle ship the Balmoral Castle where he represented his nephew King George V at the opening of the first Union Parliament. Subsequently he served as the Governor-General in Canada.
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