Image courtesy Heritage Auctions ha.com
In a landmark event for numismatics, the "Single 9" 1898 Pond coin, a pinnacle of South African coinage, was sold at a Heritage Auctions event on January 13, 2025, for a record-breaking $2.16 million (approximately R40.10 million) [1] [2] [3].
Historical Context and Creation
The "Single 9" Pond’s origin traces back to November 2, 1898, during the prelude to the Anglo-Boer War. The Pretoria Mint faced a unique challenge: the reverse dies for the upcoming 1899 coinage had been seized by British forces. To circumvent this, the Mint Master decided to manually overstamp a ‘9’ onto existing 1898 Pond coins. However, the initial ‘9’ punch was too large, awkwardly intersecting with President Paul Kruger's effigy. This led to the creation of only one such coin with the single ‘9’. Subsequent coins received a smaller ‘99’ stamp, making the "Single 9" exceptionally rare [1] [2] [3].
Provenance and Auction History
The coin was initially presented to C.E. Macrum, the United States Consul General in Pretoria, as a symbol of the South African Republic’s independence. Macrum marked the coin with a small “M” on Kruger’s bust. After changing hands over the years, including being part of Egypt’s King Farouk’s collection, the "Single 9" resurfaced in various auctions, consistently setting record prices. Its latest sale at Heritage Auctions not only underscores its historical significance but also sets a new benchmark for South African numismatics [1] [2] [3].
Significance in Numismatics
The "Single 9" 1898 Pond is often referred to as the "unicorn coin" of South African coinage due to its unparalleled rarity and the intriguing circumstances of its creation. Its storied past and the recent record-breaking sale highlight its esteemed position among collectors and historians alike [1] [2] [3].