Manufacturer
Ludw. Loew & Co., Berlin
Years Active
1892–2024
Coins Struck
ZAR, sovereigns, Krugerrands
Retirement
February 2024
The Oom Paul Press
The legendary minting press that struck South African coins for 132 years – from ZAR gold to the last Krugerrand proofs.
Final Strikes
2024: 1 oz Gold Krugerrand proofs, certified by NGC with "Final Oom Paul Krugerrands" pedigree.
🇩🇪 Berlin Origins (1891)
Ordered by President Paul Kruger from Ludw. Loew & Co. in Berlin, the press was manufactured in 1891 and shipped to Pretoria. It was affectionately named "Oom Paul" after Kruger himself.
ZAR Era (1892–1900)
Struck over 8 million ZAR coins: gold Ponds, Half Ponds, silver crowns, florins, shillings, and bronze pennies. After the fall of Pretoria in 1900, the press lay idle.
Royal Mint Era (1923–1933)
Recommissioned for the Royal Mint branch, striking gold sovereigns with "SA" mint mark for export to Argentina, Australia, India, and other Empire destinations.
🇿🇦 South African Mint Era (1947–1996)
- 1947: Struck the Royal Visit Crown (George VI and Queen Elizabeth).
- 1961: First decimal 1-cent coins.
- 1967: Struck the first Krugerrands.
- 1986: A second Oom Paul press operated at Gold Reef City, striking GRC-marked coins.
️ Coin World Era (1996–2024)
Moved to Coin World (Centurion) in 1996. Continued as a demonstration press, striking "CW" mintmarked R5 coins for visitors. In 2022–2024, struck final Krugerrand proof coins.
Retirement (February 2024)
After 132 years, the press was retired. A final series of Krugerrand proof coins was struck, all certified by NGC with the special pedigree "Final Oom Paul Krugerrands."
The press is now on permanent display at Coin World, Centurion.
"We were blown away that a 132-year-old press could produce coins in such amazing quality." – Andy Salzberg, NGC
Sources
- South African Mint; NGC announcements; Western Cape Numismatic Society.