Most people are unaware of the connection between the Scouts & numismatics.I can tell you about this connection. Colonel Robert Baden-Powell (also known as Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell,B-P,or the Founder) was serving in South Africa in 1900,when he was besieged at Mafeking.He decided to recruit some young boys to serve as scouts,who ran errands & carried messages (Mafeking Postal Service). As there was a coin shortage in Mafeking,due to the siege, Colonel Baden-Powell decided to issue a series of emergency banknotes in the following denominations; 1/-, 2/-,3/-,10/-,& 1 Pound.Well,there is 2 types of one of the notes,as the letter 'd' was left out of the word,'Commanding'.I have got an example of the 1/- note. Since then,I was able to buy a Bophuthatswana postal order with the datestamp inscribed 'Mafikeng'.A very interesting find indeed. Aidan.
Very cool! Any chance you could provide a pic or scan of the notes? I never know about this part of the story about Mafeking. It sure would be neat to acquire one such note.
WaA140,I cannot provide scans,as I have to borrow a computer,which does not have either a digital camera or a scanner attached. Aidan.
Mafeking is one of the places that will be listed on my new website at www.bcnumismaticproject.com ,which Peter will be setting up. Aidan.
