🏅 Top 10 Most Valuable South African Coins
1. 1898 Single 9 Pond
Value: ~R15–R40 million
Story: The rarest ZAR coin—only one known specimen was minted during the Anglo‑Boer War. A bold “9” was stamped over the original “8,” overlapping Kruger’s profile. It sold for over R40 million ($2.16 million) in January 2025 .
Why It Matters: It’s a unique symbol of South African resistance and minting ingenuity .
2. 1899 Kruger Double 9 Pond
Value: R1.5–R4 million
Details: Minted shortly after the Single 9, about 130 coins were struck with two smaller “9s” denoting 1899 .
Collector Appeal: Still rare and historically significant.
3. 1874 Burgers Pond (Coarse Beard)
Value: R1–R2 million
Background: President Burgers’ portrait shows an unusually large beard due to an early design flaw. Only ~142 were minted .
Appeal: A fascinating “error coin” from the early ZAR minting era.
4. 1898 Sammy Marks Tickey
Value: ~R750,000
History: Only 215 were struck to honor Sammy Marks, an influential industrialist, with a unique threepence (“tickey”) design .
Why It Stands Out: A commemorative piece with limited production.
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5. 1900 Veld Pond (Siege Coin)
Value: R500,000–R3 million
Origins: Struck under desperate wartime conditions using rudimentary field presses (986 known pieces) .
Collector Edge: A rare war-time artifact with compelling historical resonance.
6. 1928 Gold Tickey
Value: Over R500,000
Details: Part of a limited Union of South Africa gold coin series.
Uniqueness: Struck from pure gold with refined design quality .
7. 1892 Kruger Half Pond (Single/Double Shaft)
Value: R150,000–R1 million
Notables: First ZAR gold coins featuring “Single Shaft” or “Double Shaft” varieties; differences lie in the plough design shaft count .
Demand: Collectors love die variation stories.
8. 2008 Mandela 90th Birthday Coin
Value: R150,000
Background: With ~22 million minted, it’s not rare—but sentiment drives value .
Collector Draw: Sentimental and historical relevance to Mandela’s legacy.
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9. 2018 Mandela 100th Birthday R5 Coin
Value: Up to R1,500+ for rare sealed editions
Details: Only 700 minted in proof condition .
Collector Insight: Proof finishes and low mintage significantly increase value.
10. 1967 Krugerrand (First Issue)
Value: Collectible premium over bullion
Background: First in the famed Krugerrand bullion series, launched as South Africa’s national gold coin .
Why It Matters: Collector’s nostalgia—especially mint-condition and early editions.
🎯 Why These Coins Matter
💡 Smart Tips Before You Buy or Sell
- Authenticate coins through reputable dealers or grading services (NGC, PCGS, Scoin Shop).
- Compare sold prices, not listed prices. Auction archives offer real values.
- Grade matters—uncertified coins often sell for less.
- Watch for fakes, especially siege-era or proof Mandela coins.
- Preserve properly—store in cool, dry holders; avoid cleaning them.
- Join local numismatic clubs, like the South African Numismatic Society or Pretoria collectors, for community and expertise.
🔍 Final Thoughts
These Top 10 coins aren’t just financial assets—they’re chapters in South Africa’s story. Whether it's the rebellious Single 9 Pond, the industrial tribute of the Sammy Marks Tickey, or the modern symbolism of Mandela-themed coins, each piece enriches history.
If you own one of these, even in the countryside, it's worth having it authenticated. And if you're on the hunt, start with neat grading, trusted dealers, and detailed research.
📣 Want help valuing a specific coin?
Send a clear image and any info (year, condition, markings) to mtshepiso16@gmail.com—I’ll help assess if it’s one of these rare treasures!