When we think of South Africa we think of a country with a thick cultural heritage, expansive wildlife areas and of gold and diamonds, riches which have shaped this country's history.
The discovery of the main gold reef in 1886 in the Johannesburg area changed the history of South Africa. No other event in the 19th century had such an impact on the political and economic history of South Africa. The shimmering beauty of gold captured the country, On 3 July 1967, the first 22 carat gold Krugerrand was struck at the South African Mint and became the worlds first ounce-denominated gold coin. In 1980 the fractional Krugerrands, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz, were issued. As the world's most recognised gold coin and well established South African brand name, the Krugerrand remains one of the most sought after gold coins in the numismatic market today.

One of the greatest events in diamond history occured when the world's largest diamond was unearthed at Cullinan on Thursday, 26 January 1905. A miner discovered an enormous diamond in the south wall of the open pit only nine meters from the surface. The gem was plucked from the wall by the then mine manager, Frederick Wells. Weighing 3,106 carats in its uncut state, the diamond was the size of a cricket ball. Purchased by the Transvaal Government, it was presented to King Edward VII on his 66th birthday on 9 November, 1907. The King entrusted the cutting of the stone to the famous Asscher's Diamond Co. in Amsterdam. In all, 105 gems were cut: 96 small stones and 9 major stones. The largest of the stones cut from the Cullinan Diamond, the Cullinan I, also named the "Great Star of Africa", features in the Royal Sceptre with the Cross as part of the British Crown Jewels. The Cullinan II, the "Lesser Star of Africa" is set in the centre front of the Imperial State Crown of Great Britain.

The silver medallion features Joseph Asscher on the 10 February 1908 chawing the famous Cullinan diamond. After two months of intense preparation, his first attempt failed when the heavy steel rod broke. The second time, it successfully split into two pieces, exactly as planned. However, the stress caused Joseph Asscher to faint and he spent the next two weeks in hospital recovering from nervous exhaustion. This honourable assignment not only required a wealth of
experience and enormous expertise but also considerable strength and courage.

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