5 Rarest South African Coins in 2024, Single Coin is Worth R20 Million, R1.5 Million: The said country has a rich and diverse history which is also reflected in the country’s currency. Some of the country’s most scarce and priced coins are those that depict specific historical epochs in the country’s history, for example the Anglo-Boer War, important personalities like Paul Kruger and Nelson Mandela. It is interesting it is not only due to the scarcity of these coins but also due to their historical value. Coining may have been produced in the 1800s, some of the more current coining like the 1960 Krugerrand, the coins because of their scarcity and the legends behind their minting make them even more unique.
The Importance of South African Coins
The South African people themselves do not only view the coins as mere money, but rather as relics that have been turned into money. Most coins reflect matters of political and military struggle that was existed at the time. These coins have been struck in different metals some have even been struck in gold. But there are many more and much more profound grounds for collecting coins in their rarity and the circumstances under which they were minted. There were some coins that were being struck to commemorate conflicts while others that were struck to honor some heroes of the South African nations.
Rising value of coins
Over time, the demand for these coins has increased and their market value has increased rapidly. Be it their historical significance or their beauty, these coins have gained a very high position among collectors. Let’s know about some of the major coins which are worth millions:
1. Single 9 Pound (1898)
The most valuable coin of South Africa is the Single 9 Pound of 1898, which is currently worth around 20 million Rand (R20 million). The historical significance of this coin is linked to the Anglo-Boer War. When the Republic of South Africa (ZAR) wanted to mint gold coins, the British had already taken over the Pretoria Mint, which stopped the production of coins on a large scale. Despite this, the officials produced the coin using an old die and inscribed the number 9 as the year of 1899. Only one coin was minted, and it was soon found that the 9 was too obvious, making this coin extremely rare and valuable.
2. Kruger Double 9 Pound (1899)
A year after the single 9 Pound, the 1899 Kruger Double 9 Pound coin was released. Two small ‘9’ figures are found on this coin, which are overprinted on the year 1898 and appear to be 1899. The rarity of these coins and its historical significance linked to Paul Kruger makes it a valuable coin. These coins can be worth between 1.5 million to 4 million Rand, and this coin is an important part of South African history.
3. Burgers and Corse Beard (1874)
This coin holds a value of around 1 million Rand and is linked to Thomas François Burgers, the former President of the Republic of South Africa. This coin was one of South Africa’s first gold coins, issued specifically for South Africa. There are two versions of this coin: Course Bearded and Fine Bearded, with the Course Bearded version being more rare and valuable.
4. Sammy Marks Tikkie (1898)
The Sammy Marks Tikkie, which was issued in 1898, is a much-loved coin. It was a three penny coin that industrialist Sammy Marks received permission from Paul Kruger to make 215 gold coins. Only a few hundred copies of this coin were made, and the coin is now valued at 750,000 Rand. This coin was never meant for general circulation, but was produced as a special occasion.
5. Mandela 90th Jubilee Coin (2008)
One of the most valuable coins in South Africa, the Mandela 90th Jubilee coin, was issued in 2008. This coin was to commemorate Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday and has immense historical significance. Its current value is around 150,000 Rand, and the coin is popular among collectors around the world as a symbol of Mandela’s global peace and leadership.
The value of coins and their importance in collecting them
For people who collect these coins, their value is more than just money. These coins have an important historical and cultural significance, making them a unique heirloom. The value of these coins has been increasing over time, and their value may increase further in the coming years.
FAQs On 5 Rarest South African Coins in 2024, Single Coin is Worth R20 Million
Q. Are South African coins good for investment?
A. South African coins, especially historical coins, are good for investment as their value can increase over time. However, the value of coins depends on their historical significance and rarity.
Q. Is the Mandela 90th Jubilee coin also good for collection?
A. Yes, the Mandela 90th Jubilee coin is a highly valuable collectible coin that honors the cultural and historical heritage of Nelson Mandela.
Q. Should I consult an expert before buying these coins?
A. Yes, it is always good to consult an expert to properly evaluate the collection of coins and their value. This will give you the right information and you can make a safe investment.