Top 10 most valuable South African coins (with images and infographic)
Selling rare SA coins can make you a millionaire overnight. Their monetary value exceeds their face value because they have a tremendous historical significance to the country. Therefore, never throw them away if you ever come across them. Discover the ten most valuable South African coins and their current prices below.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Most valuable South African coins value list
- 1. Single 9 Pond (1898) - R23 million
- 2. Kruger Double Nine Ponds (1899) - R1.5 million
- 3. Burgers Pond Coarse Beard (1874) - R1 million
- 4. Sammy Marks Tickey (1898) - R950 000
- 5. Burgers Pond Fine Beard (1874) - R106 000 to R235 000
- 6. VeldPond (1902) - R366 000
- 7. Mandela 90th Birthday Coin (2008) - R40 000 to R150 000
- 8. Mandela's 100th Birthday R5 coin (2018) - R383
- 9. Mandela Inauguration Coin (1994) - R18 000
- 10. Kruger Half Ponds (1893-1894) - R10 000 to R19 000
- What is the most valuable coin in South Africa?
- What years of coins are worth money?
- What is the rarest and most valuable coin?
- Which coin is the most valuable?
- How much is an R5 Mandela coin worth?
- Which South African R5 coins are valuable?
- Are South African R5 coins worth money?
- Which South African coins are pure silver?
Antique collectors are keen on finding rare South African coins because of their current monetary value. Old currency is today's most valuable treasure anyone could ever have. Ancient South African coin values depend on the prevailing economic factors and the marketplace you choose to auction or sell them.
Most valuable South African coins value list
Ancient currencies have huge value because of their metal content, collectability, condition, and rarity. Although SA coin values have increased lately (especially for the rarest pieces), the monetary worth of all the most valuable South African coins will remain unchanged.
1. Single 9 Pond (1898) - R23 million
Source: Twitter
The 1898 Single 9 Pond tops the list of rarest and most valuable coins in South Africa. It is the only old coin worth about USD$126,450 (over R23 million). The money has a rich history. It was made during the Anglo-Boer war when SA needed national legitimacy.
Since the country was experiencing a shortage of dies for home coinage, they had no option but to contract a German die producer. The experts made the first South African coin with a single letter nine in a small area. The "9" protruded onto the lower part of President Kruger's bust.
No replicas were made because the design was too intrusive to the president's image. The 1898 Single 9 Pond remained the only one of its kind in history. Its last sale value (in 2010) was R20 million (about $4 million).
2. Kruger Double Nine Ponds (1899) - R1.5 million
Source: Twitter
The 1899 Kruger Double Nine Ponds replaced the single-nine labeled coin. About 137,000 one-pound currencies were made, but the 99-numeral stamp was put on only 130 of them. The minted currency earned the name Double 99 ponds. The value of one of those 130 pieces is more than R1.5 million.
3. Burgers Pond Coarse Beard (1874) - R1 million
Source: Twitter
The Burgers Pond Coarse Beard was part of the second batch of Burgers Ponds. The first batch of these rare SA coins had 695 pieces. The following set had coarse beards due to a shortage of dies. As a result, the number 8 on the currency gave a double-struck impression.
The people's council was among the first to protest against these coarse coins. These currencies became rare because the minting process was stopped when 142 pieces were out. The Burgers Pond Coarse Beard has a current market value of at least US$50,000 (about R1 million).
4. Sammy Marks Tickey (1898) - R950 000
Source: Twitter
The Sammy Marks Tickey are also the most valuable South African coins. They are still worth a fortune even though the country never used them as official currency.
The money was mementos during the presidency of Kruger. The commander-in-chief used the currency to acknowledge the exceptional services of mining businessperson Sammy Marks to the state.
215 pieces were produced, and most went to the president, Sammy Marks' family and friends, and other high-profile people like the council officials. The Sammy Marks Tickey's rarity and historical significance have seen them cost over R950 000.
5. Burgers Pond Fine Beard (1874) - R106 000 to R235 000
Source: Twitter
The Burgers Pond Fine Beard (1874) came following the president's decision to make currency for his people. He sent his portrait, coat of arms, and gold to London for them to be made and brought home.
Gold from Pilgrim's Rest was enough to complete the project. 695 Fine Beard Burgers Ponds were made in the first batch. The value of these precious coins has increased over time.
For instance, the NGC MS65-certified currency fetched $94,000 from a US-based auction market in 2014. Recent prices range between R106 000 to R235 000 based on quality.
6. VeldPond (1902) - R366 000
Source: Twitter
The old South African coins price list is incomplete without the 1902 VeldPond. Only 986 pieces came out in a desperate attempt to facilitate Boers in their trading engagements.
A raging war about the VeldPonds' time made it almost impossible for Boers to acquire items from African tribes. The currency strengthened their trade and counteracted and took down the Brits.
Pilgrim's Rest is an alternative name for the VeldPond. Every one of these valuable metals is different, considering they are hand-pressed. A VeldPond costs US$20,000 (R366 000) or more, depending on quality and condition.
7. Mandela 90th Birthday Coin (2008) - R40 000 to R150 000
Source: Twitter
The ancient currency you think is worthless might be part of the most valuable old South African coins. Some most wanted old coins are more valuable than others.
The hype of celebrating SA's first black president brought the currency into the limelight. The Mandela 90th Birthday money was launched on his 90th birthday.
About 22 million R5 Mandela currency was released. The value of the Mandela 90th Birthday limited edition has increased in recent years. Bid or Buy listing estimates these South African coins at R150 000. Other sites sell them at R40 000 to R65 000.
8. Mandela's 100th Birthday R5 coin (2018) - R383
Source: Twitter
SA celebrates former president Nelson Mandela's life and achievements through Mandela's 100th Birthday R5 coins. Some people wrongly assume that these rare coins are worth thousands of Rands.
South Africa's Reserve Bank has repeatedly warned these coins are not worth more than their face value. Nevertheless, the public still considers Mandela R5 valuable because of their significance to the people. Some online platforms, like eBay, sell them at US$20.85 (R383) per piece.
9. Mandela Inauguration Coin (1994) - R18 000
Source: Twitter
The 1994 Mandela Inauguration coin symbolizes South Africa's economic milestone. The money came out in limited numbers, and investors and collectors quickly took it as soon as they were released.
The currency has remained valuable in the hands of a few lucky ones. For this reason, they are no longer readily available in general circulations. You can buy or sell them for US$986 (over R18 000).
10. Kruger Half Ponds (1893-1894) - R10 000 to R19 000
Source: Twitter
Collectors and investors are consistently hunting for South African most valuable coins even though their prices fluctuate yearly due to inflation and other market and economic dynamics.
The Kruger Half Pond money bearing the years 1893 and 1894 is the most valuable of the Kruger series. Their rarity has caused a steady rise in value.
10150 Kruger Half Ponds were minted, and most came out in 1984. You can sell a piece online for as high as US$1,033 (R19 000). Some sites allow you to sell them at €499.60 or £431.10 (almost R10 000).
What is the most valuable coin in South Africa?
These are the prices of the ten most valuable coins in South Africa in 2024:
| Rare South African coins | Estimated monetary value |
| Single 9 Pond (1898) | R23 million |
| Kruger Double Nine Ponds (1899) | R1.5 million |
| Burgers Pond Coarse Beard (1874) | R1 million |
| Sammy Marks Tickey (1898) | R950 000 |
| VeldPond (1902) | R366 000 |
| Burgers Pond Fine Beard (1874) | R106 000 to R235 000 |
| Mandela 90th Birthday Coin (2008) | R40 000 to R150 000 |
| Kruger Half Ponds (1893-1894) | R10 000 to R19 000 |
| Mandela Inauguration Coin (1994) | R18 000 |
| Mandela's 100th Birthday R5 coin (2018) | R383 |
What years of coins are worth money?
- Single 9 Pond (1898)
- Kruger Double Nine Ponds (1899)
- Burgers Pond Coarse Beard (1874)
- Sammy Marks Tickey (1898)
- VeldPond (1902)
- Burgers Pond Fine Beard (1874)
- Mandela 90th Birthday Coin (2008)
- Kruger Half Ponds (1893-1894)
- Mandela Inauguration Coin (1994)
What is the rarest and most valuable coin?
The 1898 Single 9 Pond is the rarest South African coin in 2024. Only one was produced, and its current worth is around USD$126,450 (over R23 million).
Which coin is the most valuable?
The 1898 Single 9 Pond is the most valuable South African coin in 2024. It currently costs about USD$126,450 (over R23 million).
How much is an R5 Mandela coin worth?
The coin is the least valuable of all Mandela coins. You can sell it at its face value, R5, or around R383 if you get a good buyer.
Which South African R5 coins are valuable?
The 2008 Mandela 90th Birthday Coins are the most valuable commemorative R5 coin. You can sell one piece at R40 000 to R150 000.
Are South African R5 coins worth money?
The 2018 Mandela R5 circulation is R5. A good buyer can take it at R383, which is the highest selling price.
Which South African coins are pure silver?
The 2017 silver Krugerrand coins are made of pure silver.
You may consider hunting the most valuable South African coins as a side hustle, and if you are among the few who have them, find legit places to auction or sell them. Your bargaining power and skills can help you sell the money at higher prices than the quotations in this article. Also be careful if you are hunting for these rare currencies because many scammers and fake antique coins are on the market.
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