1961-05-31 REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL
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Product details
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Type | Souvenir medals |
| Year | 1961 |
| Composition | Bronze plated |
| Weight | 15.09 g |
| Diameter | 35.67 mm |
| Thickness | 2.58 mm |
| Shape | Round with a loop |
| Orientation | Medal alignment |
Commemorative issue
Formation of the Republic of South Africa
Obverse
The coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa with supporters, lion crest and motto in inner circle.
Wording in Afrikaans around the left and English around the right in outer circle.
Lettering:
EX UNITATE VIRES
REPUBLIEK VAN SUID - AFRIKA
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Engraver: South African Mint
Reverse
Cape Town Castle rendered in a pentagonal shape. Date in middle of castle outline.
Lettering: 31 - 5 - 1961
Engraver: South African Mint
Edge
Smooth
Comments
These medals were issued to celebrate the establishment of the Republic of South Africa.
Under international pressures over its apartheid policy, South Africa withdrew from the British Commonwealth in March 1961. On 30th May Charles Robberts Swart resigned from his position as Governor-General with the result that Queen Elizabeth II ceased to be the Head of State. The following day South Africa declared itself to be a republic and C.R. Swart was reappointed, but now as the countrys first State President.
Sets of three medals (gold, silver, and bronze without the lug) were issued in a blue oblong case lined with blue velvet and white silk marked "SAM". Silver medals were issued singly in a similar square case.
The bronzed medal with lug was issued to all school children. It is probably the most common of all South African medals. The weight and size values provided on this page are for this version of the medal and include the lug in the medal diameter because standard catalogue guidelines require a maximum diameter to be provided.