South Africa’s Rarest Coin – The 1898 “Single 9” Kruger Pond Worth Millions
South Africa is known for its rich mining history, but few people know that one of the world’s rarest coins originated here — the 1898 “Single 9” Kruger Pond. This legendary coin is not just South Africa’s rarest, but also one of the most intriguing numismatic items ever produced.
With only one known example in existence, this gold coin has fetched over R20 million (more than $1 million USD) at auction.
For collectors of rare South African coins, the “Single 9” is the crown jewel.
What Is the 1898 “Single 9” Kruger Pond?
The 1898 Kruger Pond was minted during the South African Republic era (also known as the ZAR – Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek), under the presidency of Paul Kruger. During this time, political tensions with Britain were rising, eventually leading to the Second Anglo-Boer War.
The South African Mint faced a shortage of dies needed to produce Kruger coins in 1899 due to British blockades. As a temporary solution, officials decided to re-strike 1898 coins and add a “9” to indicate the new year.
They tried to punch a single “9” into the first coin — but it looked too large and awkward. That coin became unique, and subsequent coins were marked “99” instead, resulting in the much more common “Double 99” variety.
Why the “Single 9” Kruger Pond Is So Valuable
Only one coin was ever struck with a single “9” — making it a one-of-a-kind item.
Here’s what makes it so valuable:
- Unique provenance – Only one ever minted
- Gold content – .2354 troy ounces of gold
- Historical importance – Issued during wartime under Paul Kruger
- Condition and survival – Well-preserved and authenticated
- Global appeal – Collectors worldwide recognize its rarity
The coin has sold multiple times at major international auctions, reaching values above R20 million (USD $1.25M+).
Other Rare South African Coins Worth Noting
While the “Single 9” is the rarest, South Africa has many other rare and valuable coins, such as:
- 1892 “Single Shaft” Kruger Half Pond – Early design rarity
- 1902 Veld Pond – Struck during the Boer War; valued for wartime history
- 1965 “Cameo” Proof Sets – Low mintage; highly prized
- 2008 Mandela 5 Rand Coin – Some errors and low-mintage examples sell for R2,000+
- Protea and Natura Series Gold Coins – Limited editions with investment appeal
1898 “Single 9” Kruger Pond Value Chart
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Composition | 91.67% gold (22k) |
| Weight | 7.988 grams |
| Mintage | 1 |
| Last Sale | Over R20 million (approx. $1.25 million USD) |
| Condition | AU (About Uncirculated) |
| Auction House | South Cape Coins, Strauss & Co., Heritage Auctions |
How to Spot Valuable South African Coins
While you won’t find a “Single 9” in pocket change, here’s what to look for in any rare South African coin:
- Low mintage numbers
- Minting errors or variations
- Historical context (wartime, independence, commemoratives)
- Precious metal content (gold, silver)
- Certification from PCGS, NGC, or South African numismatists
Many rare coins are found in estate collections, safe boxes, or coin show dealers.
Conclusion
The 1898 “Single 9” Kruger Pond isn’t just a coin — it’s a piece of South African history wrapped in gold. As the rarest South African coin ever minted, it has earned legendary status among collectors worldwide. While owning this unique coin may be out of reach, there are many other rare South African coins that offer excellent value, history, and investment potential.
So if you’re in South Africa or exploring international coin collections, don’t overlook this small but mighty corner of numismatics — it’s full of surprises.
FAQs
What is the rarest South African coin?
The 1898 “Single 9” Kruger Pond is the rarest South African coin, with only one known example in existence.
Where can I buy or sell rare South African coins?
Try South African auction houses, reputable coin dealers, or global auction platforms like Heritage Auctions or NGC Certified Collectibles.
Are modern South African coins valuable?
Yes, especially low-mintage and error coins like some Mandela 5 Rand coins, Protea series, and Natura gold coins.