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R2 Gold Coin
(1/4 oz, 24 Carat Gold)
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| Mass: |
7.777 gram |
| Diameter: |
22 mm |
| Metal Content: |
Au 999.9 |
| Obverse Die-Sinker: |
AL Sutherland |
| Reverse Die-Sinker: |
MJ Scheepers |
| Reverse Artist: |
N van Niekerk |
| Limited Edition: |
200 |
The primeval rock pieces that have been cast in this resin dome, come from the five main areas that drifted apart from the ancient landmass GONDWANA, approximately 200 million years ago.
Southern Africa: thunder-grey stone with a crystal texture
Antarctica: white and black shaded stone
Australia: multi-shaded stone containing brown, white, grey and black
South America: Layered grey to black slate
India: black or tan mica
We extend our gratitude to Dr. P Bender (Geoscience Museum), Dr. R Smith (SA Museum) and Prof. H Frimmel (University of Cape Town), for collecting these samples for the South African Mint's Gondwana Special Launch R2 gold coins. Special thanks to Dr. Francis Thackeray from the Transvaal Museum, Northern Flagship Institute for coordinating the project.
The Palaeonlological series started in 1997 when the discovery of "Mrs Ples" was commemorated. The living fossil -The Coelacanth appeared on the 1998 coin and a Thrinaxodon fossil, as an example of a mammal-reptile from the Karoo, was issued in 1999. The discovery of "Little Foot", a more recent palaeontological find was portrayed on the 2000 coin.
The theme for the 5th coin in this exciting series is the Gondwana Drift. The coin shows the start of the continental drift of Gondwana, the pre-historic land mass approximately 200 million years ago. It is from this ancient mass of land that Africa drifted to become a continent on its own. A primitive archosaur, Euparkeria, that lived on the African continent at the same time that the continental drift took place, appears on the coin.
A limited edition of 200 Gondwana R2 gold coins was officially launched at the Sterkfontein Heritage Lodge on 22 March 2001. Professor Phillip Tobias, world-renowned for his palaenlological studies, received the first special Gondwana coin.
This 2001 GONDWANA R2 pure gold coin once again highlights the mystery and fascination of time and evolution.
All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of listings - if any information in this listing is incorrect Goldbull CC will not be held responsible. E&OE
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