Medal - Dias 88 Festival (Lisboa) 1988 front Medal - Dias 88 Festival (Lisboa) 1988 back
Medal - Dias 88 Festival (Lisboa) 1988 photo
© South African Medals

Medal - Dias 88 Festival Lisboa

1988 year
Brass - 28.50 mm
Description
Location
South Africa
Type
Medals › Commemorative medals
Year
1988
Composition
Brass
Diameter
28.50 mm
Thickness
2.75 mm
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Updated
2024-11-13
References
Numista
N#59740
Rarity index
74%

Reverse

A Portuguese Caravel sailing ship representing Dias's ship, the São Cristóvão.

Script: Latin

Lettering: Dias 88

Edge

Plain

Comment

This medal is part of a set of four, commemorating the 500th Anniversary of Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias rounding the cape in 1488. They were issued as part of the Dias 88 festival in 1988, which also included the building of commemorative monuments in areas significant to Dias's voyage.

Each of the four medals commemorates a different landmark on Dias's voyage. This one references his departure from Lisbon, Portugal, in August 1487 and his return in December 1488.

Dias was the first known European explorer to reach the coast of South Africa.