South Africa’s numismatic history is rich with coins that are not only rare but also hold immense historical significance. Among these, five stand out for their exceptional value and unique stories.
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1. The Single 9 Pond (1898)
The Single 9 Pond is the crown jewel of South African coins. Minted during the Anglo-Boer War, it was an attempt by the South African Republic (ZAR) to assert its independence by producing its own currency. Due to British control over the Pretoria Mint, only one coin was minted, making it exceedingly rare. Its estimated value is around R15 million.
2. Kruger Double Nine Ponds (1899)
Following the Single 9 Pond, the Kruger Double Nine Ponds were minted in 1899. These coins feature two small ‘9’s stamped over the year “1898” to denote 1899. Only 130 of these coins were produced, reflecting the ZAR’s resilience during the Anglo-Boer War. Each coin is valued at approximately R1.5 million.
3. Burgers Pond Coarse Beard (1874)
The Burgers Pond Coarse Beard coin was minted during the presidency of Thomas François Burgers. A die error resulted in a “coarse beard” appearance on Burgers’ portrait. Only 142 of these coins were minted, adding to their rarity. The current market value is about R1 million.
4. Sammy Marks Tickey (1898)
In 1898, industrialist Sammy Marks was granted permission by President Paul Kruger to mint 215 gold tickey coins as tokens of appreciation for his contributions to the state. These coins were never intended for circulation, enhancing their rarity. Today, a Sammy Marks Tickey is valued at approximately R750,000.
5. Mandela 90th Birthday Coin (2008)
Commemorating Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday, this coin was minted in 2008. Despite a mintage of 22 million, its association with Mandela’s legacy has made it highly sought after by collectors. The coin’s value has appreciated over time, currently estimated at around R150,000.
Summary Table of South Africa’s Top 5 Most Valuable Coins
| Coin Name | Year | Quantity Minted | Estimated Value | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single 9 Pond | 1898 | 1 | R15 million | Only one minted; symbol of independence during the Anglo-Boer War |
| Kruger Double Nine Ponds | 1899 | 130 | R1.5 million | Two ‘9’s stamped over 1898; reflects resistance to British control |
| Burgers Pond Coarse Beard | 1874 | 142 | R1 million | Unique die error resulting in “coarse beard” appearance |
| Sammy Marks Tickey | 1898 | 215 | R750,000 | Minted as tokens of appreciation; never intended for circulation |
| Mandela 90th Birthday Coin | 2008 | 22 million | R150,000 | Commemorates Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday; highly sought after by collectors |
FAQs
What makes the Single 9 Pond so valuable?
Its value stems from its extreme rarity, being the only one ever minted, and its historical significance during the Anglo-Boer War.
Why were only 130 Kruger Double Nine Ponds minted?
The limited mintage was due to the challenges faced during the Anglo-Boer War and the ZAR’s efforts to assert independence.
What is the significance of the “coarse beard” on the Burgers Pond?
The “coarse beard” resulted from a die error during minting, making these coins unique and highly collectible.
Were the Sammy Marks Tickey coins ever used as currency?
No, they were minted as tokens of appreciation and were never intended for circulation.
Why is the Mandela 90th Birthday Coin valuable despite its high mintage?
Its association with Nelson Mandela’s legacy and the emotional significance attached to it have increased its value over time.
