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RSA (Pre-1994): John Chard VC, Zulu War Rorke's Drift Centenary

RSA (Pre-1994): John Chard VC, Zulu War Rorke's Drift CentenaryRSA (Pre-1994): John Chard VC, Zulu War Rorke's Drift Centenary
Form: Circular. Proof with frosted designs.
By: Pagliari / South African Historical Mint / Cape Mint
Date: 1979
Ref:  Laidlaw: 0932;
Variations:
SizeMetalMassValue
35.1 mm18ct Gold24.0 gm$780

Edge: Plain. Stamped with Cape Mint hallmarks for 18ct gold: "CM G750 18CT (lion head)" and the date letter F for 1979. Also stamped with the issue number. This medal: "240".

Obverse: Bareheaded bust of John Chard with beard, front and slightly left. Signed: "PAGLIARI" bottom left of bust. Legend above: "BATTLE OF RORKE'S DRIFT . 22 JANUARY 1879" and below between stops: "JOHN CHARD VC".

Reverse: Scene of hand-to-hand combat between British soldiers and attacking Zulu warriors at defensive fortifications.

Notes: Comes in a red velvet case lined inside with white silk and red velvet. On the inside of the lid: "RORKE'S DRIFT / CENTENARY / MEDALLION / 1879 - 1979". There is a hand numbered certificate of authenticity (matching number on edge) from the South African Historical Mint stating that the mintage was limited to 2,500.

The Battle of Rorke's Drift was a battle in the Anglo-Zulu War. Immediately following the defeat of the British Army at the Battle of Isandlwana the Zulus attacked the tiny garrison under the command of Lieutenant John Chard at mission station of Rorke's Drift. The attack commenced on 22 January 1879 and continued into the following day. Just over 150 British and colonial troops successfully defended the garrison against an assault by 3,000 to 4,000 Zulu warriors. Eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded to the defenders.