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5 Shillings - Elizabeth II 50 Years of the Union of South Africa

Issuer South African Mint
Year 1960
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Currency Pound (1825-1961)
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Obverse description Central field features a detailed depiction of the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the seat of the South African government, rendered in fine relief. Two clasped hands appear below the building, symbolising unity between the Afrikaner and English-speaking communities. The commemorative dates 1910 and 1960 flank the central motif above and below respectively, marking the golden jubilee of the Union of South Africa. The bilingual legend EENDRAG MAAK MAG and UNITY IS STRENGTH curves around the upper periphery, separated by ornamental rosette stops. The entire design is encircled by a toothed border.
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Obverse lettering EENDRAG MAAK MAG UNITY IS STRENGTH 1910 HM 1960
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Additional information

Issued to mark the half-century of the Union of South Africa, this crown was struck in the same year the country voted in a referendum to become a republic — a result that would sever ties with the Crown appearing on the very coin. The referendum passed by a margin of less than 75,000 votes out of nearly 1.6 million cast, and South Africa left the Commonwealth the following year.

The .500 silver standard had already been in place since 1948, when rising silver prices forced a reduction from the previous .800 fineness.

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