Description

Gouvernements Notes Historical Handbook

The term “Gouvernements Note” refers to emergency paper currency issued by the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR) during the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902). These notes were essential for sustaining the Boer war effort amid British military advances and economic blockades.​

Historical Context

As British forces advanced and occupied key areas, the ZAR government faced significant challenges in maintaining financial operations. To address this, they issued emergency paper money—known as “Gouvernements Notes”—to fund military expenses and civil administration. These notes were hand-signed by officials such as the Auditor General and Treasurer General, underscoring their legitimacy during a period of crisis. ​Bruiners Coins and Collectables

Issuance Locations and Denominations

The ZAR issued these notes from three primary locations, each corresponding to different phases of the war:​fr.numista.com+2Bruiners Coins and Collectables+2bobshop.co.za+2

• Pretoria (28 May 1900): Denominations included £1, £5, £10, £20, £50, and £100.​

• Pietersburg (1 February – 1 April 1901): Same denominations as Pretoria.​

• Pilgrim’s Rest (1 March – 1 May 1902): Issued £1, £5, and £10 notes, commonly referred to as “Te Velde” notes.​Bruiners Coins and Collectables

The “Te Velde” notes are particularly rare, with few surviving specimens known to collectors.

Collectibility and Research

Today, “Gouvernements Notes” are highly sought after by numismatists and historians for their rarity and historical significance. Comprehensive information on these notes can be found in Walter Bergman’s authoritative work, A History of the Regular and Emergency Paper Money Issues of South Africa (1971), which remains a seminal reference in South African numismatics. ​

Written By Rian Visser & Johan Gouws