Orange Free State: President Reitz: Opening of the Beaufort West - Bloemfontein Railway Line
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Form:
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Circular. Pierced at 12 o’clock.
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By:
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Date:
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1890 |
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Ref:
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AM2: 38; Laidlaw: 0242;
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Variations:
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| Size | Metal | Mass | Value |
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| 38.3 mm | White Metal | 16.7 gm | $80 |
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Edge:
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Plain.
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Obverse:
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Within a half wreath of orange blossoms below, bareheaded bust of President Reitz , half right, with: “REITZ” below. Legend between small powder horns: “STAATS PRESIDENT (powder horn) ORANJEVRIJSTAAT (State President of the Orange Free State)”.
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Reverse:
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A hovering angel with wings and arms outstretched holding a ribbon between her hands: “ALLES ZEL RECHT KOMEN” (everything will turn out well)". In her right hand, within small wreath, the initials: “JB”. Behind her an early steam engine, puffing smoke, pulling two wagons to the right with: “BLOEMFONTEIN / 1890” below. Legend above: “VREDE EN VOORSPOED (peace and prosperity)" and below: “VRYHEID EN IMMIGRATIE” (freedom and immigration).
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Notes:
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In 1886 the Cape government and the government of the Orange Free State reached an agreement by which the existing railway line from Cape Town to Beaufort West would be extended through the Orange Free State to Johannesburg. This line reached Bloemfontein in 1890 and Johannesburg in 1892.
Francis William Reitz (1844 – 1934) was the fifth State President of the Orange Free State between 1889 and 1895.
The initials: "JB" within the small wreath is in commemoration of Johannes Brand who was the Sate President who negotiated the building of the railway line.
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