In a historic moment for South African numismatics, the Republic Gold “9” Pond 1898 MS63 Prooflike NGC – famously known as the “Single 9 Overstamp” – achieved a groundbreaking sale price of R41 million, including commission, during a Heritage Auctions event on Monday, January 13, 2025.
As the rarest and most iconic coin in South African history, this singular treasure continues to captivate collectors and historians alike. Bassani’s Auction House, South Africa’s premier authority on historical collectibles, proudly celebrates this milestone, which underscores the global appreciation for South Africa’s rich numismatic heritage.
The Crown Jewel of South African Coinage
Struck at the Pretoria Mint, at 10:30am, on November 2, 1898, the “Single 9” Pond represents a pivotal chapter in South African history. With the reverse dies for the following year (1899) having been confiscated by British forces at Delagoa Bay, the Mint Master resorted to overstamping the date “1899” with a large, singular “9.” This decision inadvertently created one of the rarest coins in existence. After just one coin was stamped, the large “9” was deemed unsuitable, and subsequent coins bore the smaller “Double 99” overstamp, leaving the “Single 9” as a one-of-a-kind artifact.
The coin was presented to United States Consul General C.E. Macrum as a diplomatic gesture symbolizing the independence of the South African Republic (ZAR). Macrum, a controversial figure sympathetic to the Boer cause, engraved a discreet “M” on the truncation of President Paul Kruger’s effigy, further cementing the coin’s unique provenance.
A Journey Through History
The “Single 9” Pond has traversed continents and centuries, passing through the hands of notable collectors, including King Farouk of Egypt, whose vast and eclectic collection was auctioned in 1954 following his abdication. Purchased at that sale by Dr. Froelich of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, the coin reappeared in a series of high-profile sales, each time achieving staggering prices.
Notably, in 2010, it changed hands in a private transaction for a reported R20 million – a figure that pales in comparison to the record-breaking R41 million achieved this week.
A Strong Market for South African Coins
The sale of the “Single 9” Pond was the crown jewel of the auction, but it was not the only remarkable result of the day. Six additional coins surpassed the R1 million mark, underscoring the unprecedented demand for South African numismatics. Collectors are increasingly drawn to the rich history and scarcity of these coins, driving their value to record-breaking heights.
Bassani’s Auction House, celebrating this moment from the heart of South Africa, added:
“This record-breaking sale highlights the significance of South Africa’s numismatic heritage and its unique place in global history. The ‘Single 9’ Pond is a tangible testament to our country’s resilience and the stories of its past.”
A Tangible Piece of History
Beyond its rarity and craftsmanship, the “Single 9” Pond is a tangible relic of South Africa’s tumultuous past. Its creation during the Anglo-Boer War serves as a reminder of the ZAR’s resilience and the struggle for sovereignty. The coin’s significance extends beyond numismatics, intertwining with global history, including ties to U.S. diplomatic figures and even Sir Winston Churchill, who referenced Macrum’s role during his time in Boer captivity.
A New Chapter in an Extraordinary Legacy
This week’s sale marks the latest chapter in the coin’s illustrious history. Accompanied by a comprehensive set of documents – including correspondence from Macrum, archival mint records, and a laminated NGC Photo Proof – the “Single 9” Pond now enters the collection of a new guardian, continuing its legacy as the ultimate symbol of South African numismatic prestige.
About Bassani’s Auction House
Established by Dillon Bassani, Bassani’s Auction House has cemented its status as South Africa’s leading destination for rare and extraordinary collectibles. Widely recognized for its unparalleled expertise in rare coins and numismatics, the auction house is celebrated for hosting prestigious events that draw collectors from around the globe. With an unwavering dedication to quality, authenticity, and the preservation of historical significance, Bassani’s consistently sets new benchmarks, redefining excellence and achieving record-breaking milestones in the South African auction industry.
For more information about Bassani’s and how you can participate in their upcoming auction, visit www.bassanis.co.za or contact sales@bassanis.co.za or call us at +27 73 015 0334.
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