© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
5 Shillings Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek; Transvaal Pattern
1874 year| Aluminium | 7.57 g | 38.35 mm |
| Issuer | South African Republic (South Africa (pre-Union)) |
|---|---|
| Period | South African Republic (1874-1902) |
| Type | Pattern |
| Year | 1874 |
| Value | 5 Shillings (¼) |
| Currency | Transvaal Patterns (1874-1890) |
| Composition | Aluminium |
| Weight | 7.57 g |
| Diameter | 38.35 mm |
| Thickness | 3.05 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-07 |
| Numista | N#298069 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Flagged shield of arms and banner with eagle above, legend around.
Script: Latin
Lettering: ZUID AFRIKAANSCHE REPUBLIEK
Translation: South African Republic
Edge
Plain
Comment
It is doubtful that these pieces, which can most easily be described as salesman samples tendered to solicit business, were actually struck in 1874. Some sources say they were struck in Brussels, Belgium by Wurden, but no coins bearing this design were struck for circulation, and it is believed the majority of its small mintage were melted soon after production.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Pattern 5 Shillings (Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek; Transvaal Pattern) 1874 from South African Republic (South Africa (pre-Union)) made of Aluminium weighing 7.57 g is that it was designed by the renowned British engraver and artist, William Wyon. Wyon was known for his work on various coins and medals, including the famous Great Exhibition Medal of 1851. The Pattern 5 Shillings coin features a portrait of President Thomas François Burgers, the second president of the South African Republic, on the obverse, and a depiction of a wildebeest on the reverse. The coin was never issued for circulation and only a few patterns were struck, making it a rare and valuable collector's item.
