Griquatown. 5 Pence ND (1815-1816). Obv. GRIQUA / IIIII / TOWN. Rev. Dove...

Griquatown. 5 Pence ND (1815-1816). Obv. GRIQUA / IIIII / TOWN. Rev. Dove. KM Tn4. AR. RR NGC PF 63
As the first town to be established north of the Orange River, Griekwastad, or Griquatown as it is sometimes known in English, is one of the country's most important foundation towns. It was a stopover on the trade route, 168 kilometres north of Kimberley, and was therefore important for commerce throughout the history of the country; additionally, the town was also known for its abundance of semi-precious stones. The Griqua currency became the first South African currency in 1815, according to the Reserve Bank. It also became the country's first decimal coinage and the world's first Christian Missionary coinage.