Jardines Galleries
Library → Grading ZAR Coins
Grading Guide
For Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (1892–1902)
Scale
Sheldon 1–70
Key Areas
Kruger portrait
Reverse
Eagle, wagon, shield
Die Wear
Common on ZAR
Grading ZAR Coins
A comprehensive guide to assessing condition for Zuid‑Afrikaansche Republiek coinage (1892–1902). Proper grading is essential for determining value and authenticity.
Key Grading Areas
EyebrowHighest point – wears first
Hair above earDetail loss = VF or lower
Beard high pointsFlattening = EF or lower
Eagle wing tipsWear on reverse
The Grading Scale (Sheldon 1–70)
| Grade | Abbrev. | Numerical | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poor | Pr | 1 | Barely identifiable |
| Fair | Fr | 2 | Outline visible |
| About Good | AG | 3 | Rims worn |
| Good | G | 4,6 | Rims complete, flat detail |
| Very Good | VG | 8,10 | Design worn, slight detail |
| Fine | F | 12,15 | Some detail in recessed areas |
| Very Fine | VF | 20,25,30,35 | Complete design, flat high points |
| Extremely Fine | EF/XF | 40,45 | Complete detail, slight wear |
| About Uncirculated | AU | 50,53,55,58 | Full detail, traces of wear |
| Mint State | MS | 60–70 | No wear |
Always grade by the weaker of the two sides. Split grades (e.g. F/VF) should be no more than one grade apart.
Grading the Kruger Portrait (Obverse)
The portrait of President Paul Kruger (by Otto Schultz) has several key diagnostic areas:
| Area | Description | Wear Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| Eyebrow | Highest point of portrait | First area to show wear |
| Hair above ear | High relief area | Loss of detail indicates circulation |
| Beard detail | Extensive high points | Flat spots indicate wear level |
| Cheek | Contour below eye | Smoothness indicates wear |
| Coat lapel | Edge of jacket | Sharpness indicates strike quality |
Grade‑by‑Grade Breakdown
- AU-58 – Full detail, slight friction on high points
- AU-55 – Full detail, friction on less than half surface
- AU-50 – Full detail, friction over most surface
- EF-45 – Complete detail, some high points flat
- EF-40 – Complete detail, most high points slightly flat
- VF-35 – Complete detail, high points flat
- VF-30 – Almost complete detail with flat areas
- VF-20 – Some definition of detail
- F-12 – Some detail in recessed areas
- VG-8 – Design worn with slight detail
️ Grading the Reverse Designs
Pond & Half‑Pond (Coat of Arms with Wagon)
| Element | High Points | Wear Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| Eagle | Wings, head | Loss of feather detail, flattened head |
| Coat of arms | Shield details | Loss of definition in heraldic elements |
| Wagon | Shafts, wheels | Flattening of shaft detail, wheel rim wear |
Crown (5 Shillings)
- Eagle wing tips – first to show wear
- Wagon shafts – flatten with circulation
- Shield details – retain detail longest
Florin (2 Shillings) – Circular Escutcheon
- Escutcheon frame – raised border wears first
- Decorated frame details – high points flatten
- Star spacers – remain sharp even on worn coins
Shilling (1 Shilling) – Oak Wreath
- Wreath leaves – high points at leaf tips
- Value lettering – in field
- Date – protected within wreath
Special Grading Considerations for ZAR Coins
Die Wear vs. Circulation Wear
- Die wear: Uniform weakness across multiple coins
- Circulation wear: Uneven, concentrated on high points
- ZAR dies often used beyond normal life – weak strikes may be die wear, not circulation
Problem Designations
- Cleaned (CLN) – Artificial cleaning
- Polished (POL) – Harsh polishing
- Ex‑Mount – Removed from jewellery, worth fraction of grade value
- Rim Damage (R/N, R/B) – Nicks or bumps
Many ZAR coins were mounted as jewellery – ex‑mount examples may show solder marks or filed edges.
Grade Examples from Auction Records
| Coin | Grade | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1893 Half‑Pond | About VF | £1,400 | Spink Becker Collection |
| 1893 Half‑Pond | Bolder Fine | £1,300 | Spink Becker Collection |
| 1894 Half‑Pond | Good VF | £380 | Spink Becker Collection |
| 1895 Half‑Pond | VF | £220 | Spink Becker Collection |
| 1898 Pond | MS61 | £450 | Spink Coinex 2024 |
The 1893 half‑pond (key date) commands a premium regardless of grade.
Grading Checklist for Collectors
Step 1 – No Magnification
- Assess overall eye appeal
- Check for obvious damage
- Note color and toning
- Evaluate luster
Step 2 – Obverse Under 5–10×
- Eyebrow, ear hair, beard
- Wear patterns
- Contact marks, bagmarks
- Lettering sharpness
Step 3 – Reverse Under Magnification
- Eagle wings, wagon shafts
- Shield details
- Die characteristics
Step 4 – Assess Wear Level
- Amount of detail remaining
- Compare to grade descriptions
- Note flat areas on high points
Sources
- Randburg Coin. "Coin Grading".
- Spink Auction 23006 – Dr Frank Becker Collection.
- Hern, Brian. Standard Catalogue of South African Coins.
- Levine, Elias. The Coinage and Counterfeits of the Zuid‑Afrikaansche Republiek (1974).
Revision History
22 Feb 2026Initial build from library foundation