RSA (Pre-1994): Centenary of the Arrival of Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa
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Form:
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Circular. Proof-like with frosted designs.
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By:
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Susan Erasmus / SA Mint |
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Date:
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1993 |
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Ref:
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Laidlaw: 0461;
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Variations:
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| Size | Metal | Mass | Value |
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| 32.5 mm | Silver (99.9%) | 15.6 gm | $90 |
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Edge:
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Upright reeded.
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Obverse:
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Bareheaded bust of an elderly Gandhi wearing steel-rimed spectacles in traditional dress, half right. Signed: "SE" on the right below the truncation. Legend above: "1893 CENTENARY 1993" and below: "SOUTH AFRICA".
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Reverse:
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Steam engine, tender and part of a carriage, pointing left, stopped at a railway station. Station buildings behind, cloud above. Signed: "SE" on the right below the truncation of the design. Below: "PIETERMARITZBURG" and below that the SA Mint marks for 99.9% silver. Legend above: "MAHATMA GANDHI" and below: "NON VIOLENCE PEACE". Dividing the lower legend: "15.6gm /FINE SILVER".
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Notes:
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Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869 – 1948) was the leader of Indian nationalism which gained independence for India in 1947 from Great Britain.
Gandhi was a lawyer and practiced in South Africa for 21 years between 1893 and 1914. He served in both the Boer War and in the Natal Rebellion leading an Indian corps of ambulance drivers and stretcher bearers.
The reverse of the medal refers to an incident in 1893 in which he was thrown off a train at Pietermaritzburg after refusing to move from the first-class. He protested and was allowed continue on first class the next day. A bronze statue of Gandhi stands in Church Street, in the city centre.
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