Denominations
3d, 6d, 1/-, 2/-, 2/6
Total Mintage
5,286,869
Mint
Pretoria Mint (1893‑1897)
Key Date
1893 Florin (R650,000 PCGS MS64)
1893‑1897 Silver Denominations
The everyday silver currency of the Zuid‑Afrikaansche Republiek, struck at the Pretoria Mint from 1893 onward. All coins feature the corrected design – no controversial "OS" initials, and the half crown now displays the proper single‑shaft wagon.
Key Facts
- Total mintage: 5,286,869 silver coins
- Composition: .925 silver
- Mint: Pretoria Mint (operational from 1893)
- 1893 Florin: Finest known PCGS MS64 – R650,000
The 1892 vs. 1893 Distinction – Why 1893 is the True Key Date
The separation between 1892 and 1893-1897 coinage is one of the most fundamental distinctions in ZAR numismatics, driven by three key factors: where the coins were minted, the infamous design errors, and the resulting survival rates.
️ 1892: The Berlin Years
The Pretoria Mint was not yet operational, so President Paul Kruger contracted the Royal Prussian Mint in Berlin to strike the Republic's first coinage. Engraver Otto Schultz made two critical errors on the higher denominations:
- Double shaft: European cart design instead of the correct single-shaft disselboom
- "O.S." initials: Placed on Kruger's bust – "os" means "ox" in Afrikaans
The errors were quickly corrected, resulting in both "double shaft" and "single shaft" 1892 varieties.
🇿🇦 1893-1897: The Pretoria Mint Era
From 1893 onward, the Pretoria Mint became fully operational. All coins from these years feature the corrected, definitive design:
- Corrected wagon: Single shaft (disselboom) with larger rear wheels
- No initials: "O.S." removed entirely
- Workhorse currency: These coins circulated heavily for decades
The Collector's Paradox
This historical background creates a fascinating and often counter-intuitive market reality:
- 1892 coins were saved in large numbers by collectors from the moment they were issued. Despite lower mintages, many high-grade examples survive today.
- 1893-1897 coins were the workhorse currency of the Republic, circulating heavily until replaced by Union coinage in 1923. This means far fewer high-grade (VF, EF, Unc) examples survive today.
- The 1893 2 Shillings (Florin) is considered the key date of the entire ZAR series – not because of low mintage (107,000, higher than 1892), but because almost all circulated and were worn down, making problem-free examples, especially in Mint State, incredibly rare.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | 1892 Issues | 1893-1897 Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Mint | Royal Prussian Mint, Berlin | Pretoria Mint |
| Design | Double shaft error on higher denominations | Corrected single-shaft design |
| Initials | "O.S." present on error coins | No initials |
| Survival Rate (High Grade) | Higher – saved by collectors immediately | Very low – heavily circulated |
| Collector Focus | Historical significance and errors | Condition rarity – true key dates |
Series Overview
From 1893 to 1897, the Pretoria Mint struck silver coins for circulation. The crown (5 shillings) was discontinued after 1892. The silver issues from these years feature the correct design – the half crown now displays the proper single‑shaft wagon, and the "OS" initials are absent from the obverse of all denominations .
According to J.T. Becklake's mintage figures, the total silver output from 1893‑1897 was 5,286,869 coins across all five denominations .
The obverse of all denominations features the bust of President Paul Kruger, designed by Otto Schultz. The reverse designs incorporate the ZAR coat of arms and oak wreaths, with the half crown being the only silver denomination to feature the ox wagon design – now corrected to the proper single‑shaft disselboom.
Mintages & Specifications
Mintage figures are derived from J.T. Becklake's research, which is considered the most reliable source for ZAR coinage statistics .
| Denomination | KM# | Years | Total Mintage | Weight | Diameter | ASW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Pence (3d) | KM#3 | 1893‑1897 | 743,814 | 1.41g | 16.0mm | 0.042 oz |
| 6 Pence (6d) | KM#4 | 1893‑1897 | 896,001 | 2.83g | 19.35mm | 0.084 oz |
| 1 Shilling | KM#5 | 1893‑1897 | 1,794,604 | 5.66g | 23.7mm | 0.168 oz |
| 2 Shillings (Florin) | KM#6 | 1893‑1897 | 950,032 | 11.31g | 28.5mm | 0.336 oz |
| 2½ Shillings (Half Crown) | KM#7 | 1893‑1897 | 902,418 | 14.14g | 32.3mm | 0.420 oz |
Composition: All denominations are .925 silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper) .
Key Dates & Values
1893 2 Shillings (Florin) – The Ultimate Key Date
The 1893 florin is the undisputed key date of the entire ZAR series, with a mintage of only 106,951 . What makes it so valuable is not just the mintage, but the fact that almost all circulated heavily, leaving virtually no high-grade survivors.
- PCGS MS64 (Finest Known): Only one coin graded at this level, with none finer. Recently offered at R650,000 (approx. $35,000) .
- NGC Population: Only 6 coins certified in mint state (2x MS61, 2x MS62, 2x MS64) .
- VF condition: $100-150 (estimated based on auction data).
1897 2½ Shillings (Half Crown) – Scarce Date
The 1897 half crown is another semi-key date, with a mintage of 52,404 – the lowest of the half crown series .
- VF condition: $150-200
- EF condition: $300-400
General Value Guide (Common Dates)
| Denomination | VF | EF | Unc |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Pence | $20‑30 | $40‑60 | $100‑150 |
| 6 Pence | $25‑35 | $50‑70 | $120‑180 |
| 1 Shilling | $30‑40 | $60‑80 | $150‑200 |
| 2 Shillings (common dates) | $35‑50 | $80‑120 | $250‑400 |
| 2½ Shillings (common dates) | $40‑60 | $100‑150 | $300‑500 |
Note: Values are approximate and based on auction records and dealer listings. The 1893 florin and 1897 half crown command significant premiums over common dates.
Auction Records
| Lot | Date | Price Realized | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1893 sixpence, 1893 shilling, 1897 half crown | Nov 2016 | $200 (est.) | PCGS VF35, AU50; NGC XF45 |
| Lot of 16 (pennies, threepences, sixpences, shillings, florins, half crowns) | Apr 2024 | $220 | Ex Mayor's Hoard; mostly VG-VF |
| 1893 florin PCGS MS64 | Current | R650,000 | Finest known; 1 in MS64, none finer |
Collector Notes
- Design: The half crown (2½ shillings) is the only silver denomination that includes the ox wagon on the reverse – after the 1892 controversy, the design was corrected to show the proper single‑shaft disselboom .
- Condition: The 1893 florin is virtually unobtainable in mint state, with only 7 certified examples across both grading services .
- Survival Paradox: Unlike the 1892 issues which were saved by collectors immediately, the 1893-1897 coins were heavily circulated, making high-grade examples significantly rarer – and often more valuable – than their 1892 counterparts.
- Provenance: Some coins from this period come from the "Mayor's Hoard" and the Stanley Lipscombe collection, which add historical value .
Annual Mintages by Denomination
| Year | 3 Pence | 6 Pence | 1 Shilling | 2 Shillings | 2½ Shillings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1893 | 183,895 | 195,894 | 347,582 | 106,951 | 218,288 |
| 1894 | 177,458 | 239,579 | 330,500 | 150,000 | 138,224 |
| 1895 | 109,741 | 208,246 | 451,319 | 298,081 | 267,240 |
| 1896 | 130,220 | 120,880 | 374,203 | 240,000 | 226,262 |
| 1897 | 142,500 | 131,402 | 291,000 | 155,000 | 52,404 |
Sources
- Western Cape Numismatic Society. "The ZAR Coinage of 1892" (Pierre H. Nortje, Dec 2023)
- Spink & Son. Auction 23107, Lot 7512
- Noble Numismatics. Auction Sales 368 (Nov 2016) and 408 (Apr 2024)
- Bob Shop. "S. Africa: 1893 ZAR 2 Shillings (Florin) PCGS Certified MS64"
- Colnect. "Coin catalog – South Africa (1874~1900 - South African Republic)"
- Becklake, J.T. "The Coinage of the South African Republic" (1965)
- Numismatic Forums – ZAR survival rate discussions