Rare coins have always generated interest among collectors. They are, after all, an integral part of the country’s history. These coins are also exceptionally high in terms of price, which also creates significant interest among investors. Rarity and history are two factors that determine the value of a coin. Researching and understanding the most valuable coins in the country will help individuals planning to study, collect, or invest in coins.

The 1898 Single 9 Pond
The 1898 Single 9 Pond coin is the rarest and most valuable coin in the country. In fact, it is also called the “King of South African Coins, or the holy grail of South African coins among collectors. Not only that but it is also considered one of the rarest coins in the world. As per reports, this coin was sold for a massive price of around USD 4 million (about R72.8 million today) in 2010. The coin was made on November 2, 1899. When the Kruger Pond dies (metal stamps used to press a design onto a coin) were intercepted by the British at the start of the Second Anglo-Boer War, President Paul Kruger ordered new coins to be minted. It was then decided to overstamp the 1898 ponds with ’99’ below the bust of Paul Kruger. But the first minted coin was stamped with a single 9, which slightly overlapped with the President’s bust. That is how this coin came to be.

The 1874 Burgers Pond – Coarse Beard
This coin from 1874 was minted when the country was under the governance of President Thomas Francois Burgers. At the time, there was an order to mint new coins with the bust of President Thomas Francois Burgers using alluvial gold. However, from over 800 coins that were minted, a few pieces were double-struck with the die. Due to this, the beard of the President appeared coarser, and that is what contributed to the rarity of these coins. On the front of the coin is the design of the President, with the year 1874 inscribed below the bust. On the back side of the coin is the design of the Z.A.R. Coat of Arms, which is oval in shape, with the eagle and the flags.

The 1899 Double Nine (99) Ponds
After the 1898 Single 9 Pond coin came the 1899 Double Nine Ponds, which were minted with the ordered two nines below the bust of President Paul Kruger. The coin was designed by the same designer, Otto Schultz. It contains the bust of President Kruger on the front side, with the inscription ‘ZUID AFRIKAANSCHE REPUBLIEK’ (ZAR) above the head and two small nines (99) on the lower side. On the back side of the coin is the design of the Z.A.R. Coat of Arms in a circular shape, with the eagle and the flags, with the inscription reading ‘1 Pond.’

The 1900 Blank, Rimmed Pond
The story of these blank, rimmed ponds dates back to 1900 when the coin-making process was interrupted due to the British advancing in Pretoria. At the time, when the minted coins were used up in paying, due to the interruption of the minting process, some troops were paid with these blank coins, with no engravings and just a rimmed circumference. These coins, like the previous ones, are also made with a combination of gold and copper. Despite having no engravings, their rarity places them among the ten best coins to buy for high returns.

The 1900 Blank, Rimless Pond
Like the rimmed ponds, the blank rimless ponds are also from the same period, when the coin minting process was interrupted in 1900. The only difference between these coins and the 1900 Rimmed Blank Ponds is that they are completely flat.

Kruger Rands
Kruger Rands, also known as Krugerrands, is a group of various rare and valuable coins that were first minted in 1967. They are named after the ZAR president, Paul Kruger. The reason these coins are so valuable is that with these coins, the country gained popularity as the first to manufacture its own bullion coins. This was done so that the country’s citizens could possess their own gold. Currently, there are millions of Krugerrands in circulation. However, the ones from 1967 have a special place due to their historical significance and rarity, placing them among the ten best coins collectors should buy.

Mandela’s 100th Birthday R5 coin from 2018
These coins were minted in 2018 to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of one of the country’s most admired leaders, Nelson Mandela. Despite having an inscription of R5 (the five-rand denomination), these coins now hold much more value due to their historical importance. However, the number of these coins keeps fluctuating, reflecting market conditions. Still, the coins were minted in limited numbers and are worth buying for aspiring collectors.