Rhodesia: Independence, Ian Smith / Zimbabwe Ruins
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Form:
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Circular. Proof-like.
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By:
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John Pinches, London |
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Date:
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1967-8 |
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Ref:
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Laidlaw: 1068a;
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Variations:
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| Size | Metal | Mass | Value |
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| 38 mm | Silver | 35 gm | $75 |
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Edge:
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Plain. Stamped with the maker's mark: "JP" and the London hallmarks for 1967-8.
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Obverse:
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Bare head of Ian Smith, left and slightly front. Legend above: "RHODESIA" and below: "1965". Stamped below the bust with the issue number. This medal: "S161".
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Reverse:
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Ruins of Great Zimbabwe. Tree trunk on left, branch across above with clouds. Legend above between stops: "INDEPENDENCE" and below: "FREEDOM.PEACE.JUSTICE".
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Notes:
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Comes inside a blue oblong case lined on the inside with white silk-like and blue velvet-like material. The case contains two medal with the same issue number, this medal and a smaller medal with the same obverse but different reverse (Laidlaw 1068b).
Rhodesia declared unilateral independence (UDI) from Britain on 11th November 1965. During Second World War Ian Smith was a fighter pilot who fought for Britain (as did many other Rhodesians). The choice of Armistice Day for the UDI symbolised the bitterness of betrayal that many Rhodesians felt towards Britain.
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