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Ghana: sketches of proposed designs for first coinage

Started by <k>, October 02, 2024, 10:53:57 AM

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<k>



Ghana's coat of arms.


Ghana became independent from the UK on 6 March 1957. It was the first of the UK's African colonies to achieve independence. Initially Queen Elizabeth II remained head of state of Ghana. Kwame Nkrumah was Ghana's first prime minister. Ghana did not become a republic until 1 July 1960.

In 1957 the Ghanaian government asked the Royal Mint (UK) to design and produce a circulation coinage for Ghana. The Ghanaians indicated a preference for reverse designs incorporating the quarterings from Ghana's coat of arms, and a common obverse design showing an eagle flying over a map of Ghana. Artist and sculptor Paul Vincze produced a series of initial sketches that were shown to the Ghanaians in April 1957.
Visit the website of The Royal Mint Museum.

See: The Royal Mint Museum.

<k>

Ghana obverse 1958-sketch.jpg

Sketch of the proposed common obverse.

Image © the Royal Mint Museum (UK).
Visit the website of The Royal Mint Museum.

See: The Royal Mint Museum.

<k>

Ghana ½d 1958-sketch.jpg

The proposed reverse design of the half penny.

Image © the Royal Mint Museum (UK).



The sketches were produced in 1957 but dated 1958.

It was expected that the coinage would be minted in 1958.
Visit the website of The Royal Mint Museum.

See: The Royal Mint Museum.

<k>

Ghana 1d 1958-sketch.jpg

The proposed reverse design of the penny.

Image © the Royal Mint Museum (UK).



The African star of freedom was taken from Ghana's flag and coat of arms.
Visit the website of The Royal Mint Museum.

See: The Royal Mint Museum.

<k>

Ghana 3d 1958-sketch.jpg

The proposed reverse design of the 3 pence coin.

Image © the Royal Mint Museum (UK).



The design was taken from the coat of arms.

It shows a representation of Osu castle on the Gulf of Guinea.

The castle became Government House after independence.
Visit the website of The Royal Mint Museum.

See: The Royal Mint Museum.

<k>

Ghana 6d 1958-sketch.jpg

The proposed reverse design of the 6 pence coin.

Image © the Royal Mint Museum (UK).



The design was taken from the coat of arms.

It showed a representation of a gold mine.

This symbolises Ghana's industrial minerals and natural resources.
Visit the website of The Royal Mint Museum.

See: The Royal Mint Museum.

<k>

Ghana 1s 1958-sketch.jpg

The proposed reverse design of the shilling.

Image © the Royal Mint Museum (UK).



The design was taken from the coat of arms.

It shows a sword used by chiefs and a staff used by the linguist at ceremonies.

These are symbols of the traditional authority of Ghana.
Visit the website of The Royal Mint Museum.

See: The Royal Mint Museum.

<k>

Ghana 2s 1958-sketch.jpg

The proposed reverse design of the 2 shillings coin.

Image © the Royal Mint Museum (UK).



The design was taken from the coat of arms.

It shows a cacao tree.

This symbolises the agricultural wealth of Ghana.
Visit the website of The Royal Mint Museum.

See: The Royal Mint Museum.

<k>

Ghana 1958 set.jpg

Ghana's issued coins of 1958.


Ultimately this series of designs was not used.

Instead, the African star of freedom was used on all the issued coins.

That series was issued in 1958 only.

See:  Ghana's modern coinage.
Visit the website of The Royal Mint Museum.

See: The Royal Mint Museum.