5 South African Coins That Are Rare and National Treasures; Do You Own One?

On: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 7:15 AM

5 South African Coins That Are Rare and National Treasures; Do You Own One?

5 rare South African coins that have become national heritage: South Africa is not only famous for its natural beauty and cultural diversity, but the world of its coins is equally interesting and valuable. Some of the coins here are not just pieces of metal, but important witnesses of history and a symbol of national pride. Due to the rarity and historical value of some coins, their value has reached crores. In this article, we will know about 5 such South African coins which are not only a treasure for collectors but are also considered the heritage of the country. If you have any of these coins, then you may unknowingly own property worth crores.

Coin	Year	Notable Features	Estimated Value
Single 9 Pond	1898	Unique ‘9’ punch marking; only 1 coin minted	R40 million+ ($2.16 million)
Burgers Pond	1874	First official coin of the South African Republic	R1 million to R5 million, depending on condition
Veld Pond	1902	Hand-struck emergency currency during the Anglo-Boer War	R500,000 to R3 million
Sammy Mar ks Ticked	1898	Limited edition gold three pence coins gifted to officials	R250,000 to R1 million
Kruger Half Pond	1892	Features Paul Kruger; part of the first coin series of the Republic	R150,000 to R1 million

Single 9 Pound of 1898 – Rarest Coin of South Africa

This coin is indeed treated like the Holy Grail of South African history. In 1899, this coin was allegedly issued by the South African Republic to exhibit independence from British influence. But due to lack of resources, only one coin was made. The number ‘9’ was punched on it in 1898, giving it the name ‘Single 9 Pond’.

What makes it priceless:

This is the only such coin in the whole world.
It was auctioned in 2023 for R40 million (about $2.16 million).
This coin is a symbol of economic independence amid British opposition.

Burgers Pond of 1874 – the first official coin

Burgers Pond’ was issued in the name of Thomas Francis Burgers, the first president of South Africa. This coin was the first step towards the economic independence of the country. It has two variants – one with a thick beard and the other with a fine beard, in which the fine beard version is considered more rare.

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Features:

This project had to be stopped midway due to British opposition.
Its price depends on the condition – from R1 million to R5 million.

Weld Pond of 1902 – A symbol of struggle

In the final years of the Anglo-Boer War, when resources were running out, Boer forces produced this coin in the field. The Weld Pond was used as an emergency currency and was minted by hand, making its design simple yet historic.

Why it is considered priceless:

Only 986 coins were ever made.
It is a symbol of the fighting spirit and self-reliance of the Boer army.
It can currently be worth anywhere from R500,000 to R3 million.

Sammy Marks Tickle of 1898 – A rare gift of gold

This is a golden threpence coin, made in honors of businessman Sammy Marks. President Paul Kruger specifically allowed him to mint only 215 coins, which he gifted to his close ones.

Features:

Made in very small quantities, hence extremely rare.
Despite being a favorite target for counterfeiters, genuine coins are in great demand.
It is currently priced between R250,000 and R1 million.

Kruger Half Pond of 1892 – National Emblem

The coin minted in the year 1892 under the rule of Kruger became one of the initial official gold coins in the history of South Africa. It has a portrait of President Paul Kruger and the nation’s coat of arms.

What makes it special:

It is a symbol of the gold rush and the economic prosperity of that period.
Its “single shaft” and “double shaft” designs hold different collectible value.
It can be worth anywhere from R150,000 to R1 million in the market.

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Do you have any of these national treasures?

If you suspect you have one of these 5 rare South African coins, take these steps:
Check the date and design: Look carefully at the coin’s date and design and compare it with images from authoritative sources.
Assess the condition: Coins that are in excellent condition command higher prices. Scratches, discoloration, etc. can reduce the value.
Get a professional appraisal: Seek help from organizations like the South African Numismatic Society or consult an experienced collector.
Get it graded: Organizations like the NGC carry out official grading of coins which increases their value and credibility.

Tips for coin collectors:

Buy from a trusted dealer: Buy only from a certified dealer to avoid counterfeit coins.
Keep documents safe: Keep a record of your coin’s history and past transactions.
Store properly: Keep coins in a secure box or airtight cover to prevent them from getting damaged.
Keep an eye on the market: Stay updated with auctions and exhibitions.

Conclusion:

The five South African coins discussed in this article are far more than mere currency — they are windows into the country’s rich and resilient history. From the incredibly rare Single 9 Pond coin to the gilded Sammy Marks Tickey, coins tell stories of struggle, independence, and national pride. Their rarity and history have made them exceedingly valuable in the international numismatic market, with some worth millions of rand. Should you be lucky enough to ever possess one of these national treasures, you may actually be holding on to a very meaningful piece of South African heritage and perhaps a life-changing fortune. Now is perhaps the best time, whether you are simply an eager collector or a curious owner, to find out, assess, and possibly unlock some hidden value in your collection.