Complete Set
37 coins (all denominations)
Key References
Levine (1974), Hern, Becklake
First Step
1893-1897 Silver (most accessible)
Ultimate Rarity
1898 Sammy Marks Tickey
How to Build a ZAR Date Set
A practical guide for collectors assembling a date set of coins from the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR). From beginner-friendly silver to the legendary rarities, this roadmap will help you navigate one of the most fascinating series in world numismatics.
Essential Reading
- Levine, Elias: "The Coinage and Counterfeits of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek" (1974) – the foundational work for ZAR collectors
- Hern, Brian: Standard Catalogue (annual)
- Becklake, J.T.: Mintage research (1965)
The Collector's Paradox – Understanding ZAR Rarity
Before building a ZAR set, collectors must understand one of the most counter-intuitive facts about the series: lower mintage does not always mean higher value.
- 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 for decades until replaced by Union coinage in 1923. This means far fewer high-grade 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.
Set Building Strategies
There are several ways to approach a ZAR collection, depending on your budget and collecting goals.
1. Beginner's Strategy: Silver by Denomination
The most accessible entry point. Collect one example of each silver denomination from the common years (1894-1897):
- 3 Pence
- 6 Pence
- 1 Shilling
- 2 Shillings (Florin)
- 2½ Shillings (Half Crown)
Budget: $150-300 in VF condition
Timeframe: Can be completed in months
2. Intermediate Strategy: Date Set by Denomination
Choose one denomination and collect all years issued. The half crown series (1892-1897) is popular, with 1892 double shaft as the key .
- Half Crown (2/6): 1892 double shaft (rare), 1892 single shaft, 1893-1897
- Florin (2/-): 1892, 1893-1897 – 1893 is the key date
- Pond (gold): 1892 double shaft, 1892 single shaft, 1893-1900
3. Advanced Strategy: Complete Type Set
Collect one example of every major variety. This includes:
- 1874 Burgerspond (fine beard & coarse beard)
- 1892 double shaft Pond, Half Pond, Crown
- 1892 single shaft Pond, Half Pond, Crown
- 1892 silver (all denominations)
- 1893-1897 silver (all denominations)
- 1893-1900 gold Pond
- 1893-1897 gold Half Pond
- 1898 Sammy Marks Tickey (gold)
- 1902 Veldpond
Budget: $50,000+
4. Ultimate Strategy: Complete Date Set
Collect every date and variety of every denomination. This requires acquiring all 37 coins listed in the checklist below, including the legendary rarities. Only a handful of collectors have ever completed this.
Complete ZAR Coin Checklist (1874–1902)
This checklist includes all major denominations and varieties issued by the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek.
Gold Coins
| Denomination | Years | Varieties | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Pond | 1874 | Burgerspond – Fine Beard (KM#1.2) | R8 |
| 1 Pond | 1874 | Burgerspond – Coarse Beard (KM#1.1) | R9 |
| 1 Pond | 1892 | Double Shaft (KM#10.1) | R8 |
| 1 Pond | 1892 | Single Shaft (KM#10.2) | R5 |
| 1 Pond | 1893-1900 | Single Shaft – various mintages | R3-R5 |
| ½ Pond | 1892 | Double Shaft (KM#9.1) | R9 |
| ½ Pond | 1892 | Single Shaft (KM#9.2) | R8 |
| ½ Pond | 1893-1897 | Single Shaft – various mintages | R4-R8 |
| 3 Pence (Tickey) | 1898 | Sammy Marks – Gold off-metal (KM PnA23) | R9 |
Silver Coins
| Denomination | Years | Varieties | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Shillings (Crown) | 1892 | Double Shaft (KM#8.2) | R8 |
| 5 Shillings (Crown) | 1892 | Single Shaft (KM#8.1) | R5 |
| 2½ Shillings (Half Crown) | 1892-1897 | All years | R3-R6 |
| 2 Shillings (Florin) | 1892-1897 | All years – 1893 key date | R3-R7 |
| 1 Shilling | 1892-1897 | All years | R3-R5 |
| 6 Pence | 1892-1897 | All years | R3-R5 |
| 3 Pence | 1892-1897 | All years | R3-R5 |
Bronze Coins
| Denomination | Years | Notes | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Penny | 1892-1898 | Bronze – 1898 key date | R3-R7 |
| 1 Penny | 1898 | PCGS MS65RD – finest known | Unique |
Emergency Coinage
| Denomination | Year | Notes | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Pond (Veldpond) | 1902 | Emergency mint at Pilgrim's Rest | R9 |
Key Dates and Estimated Values
The following are the most significant rarities in the ZAR series. Values are approximate and depend heavily on condition .
| Coin | Mintage | VF | EF | Unc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1874 Burgerspond – Coarse Beard | 142 | $50,000+ | $80,000+ | $125,000+ |
| 1892 Double Shaft Pond | ~16,000 | $5,000-8,000 | $10,000-15,000 | $20,000-30,000 |
| 1892 Double Shaft Half Pond | 10,025 | $8,000-12,000 | $15,000-20,000 | $30,000+ |
| 1892 Double Shaft Crown | 4,357 | $1,500-2,500 | $3,500-5,000 | $8,000-12,000 |
| 1893 Florin (2 Shillings) | 106,951 | $100-150 | $300-400 | $5,000+ (MS64 – R650,000) |
| 1893 Half Pond | 50,014 | $4,000-5,000 | $8,000-10,000 | $20,000+ |
| 1898 Sammy Marks Tickey | 215 | $15,000-20,000 | $25,000-30,000 | $80,000+ |
| 1898 Penny | Unknown | $500-1,000 | $2,000-3,000 | $5,000+ (MS65RD est. $5,000+) |
| 1902 Veldpond | 986 | $15,000-20,000 | $30,000-40,000 | $60,000+ |
Grading and Authentication
Levine's foundational work emphasizes proper coin care and grading as essential for ZAR collectors . Here are key considerations:
Counterfeit Detection
Levine's book contains the most comprehensive information on ZAR forgeries ever published . Key markers include:
- Obverse: Kruger's mouth, ear, hair on fakes
- Reverse: The "8" of the date, ribbon above "A" of "MAAKT"
- Weight and diameter variations – always check
Mounting Damage
Many ZAR coins, especially the Burgerspond and Sammy Marks Tickey, were mounted as jewellery . Undamaged examples are extremely rare and command significant premiums.
Third-Party Grading
For valuable ZAR coins, NGC or PCGS certification is strongly recommended. This is particularly important for:
- 1892 double shaft varieties
- All proof issues (1892 proof set)
- High-grade 1893-1897 silver
- Sammy Marks Tickey
Provenance
Coins from famous collections (Orange River, Gatsby, Dr Frank Becker, Levine) command significant premiums . Original documentation adds substantial value.
Building Strategy by Budget
Budget: Under $1,000
- Common date silver: 1894-1897 3d, 6d, 1/-, 2/6 – can be assembled for $300-500 in VF
- 1892 single shaft silver florin or half crown – $200-400
- Common date gold Pond (1894-1897) – $800-1,000 in VF
Budget: $1,000 – $5,000
- 1892 single shaft Pond – $1,800-2,500 in VF
- 1892 double shaft crown – $1,500-2,500 in VF
- 1893-1897 silver set in VF-EF (all 5 denominations) – $500-800
- Beginner's gold set: 1894, 1895, 1896, 1897 Ponds – $3,500-4,500
Budget: $5,000 – $20,000
- 1892 double shaft Pond – $8,000-12,000 in VF-EF
- 1892 double shaft half pond – $15,000-20,000 in VF
- 1893 half pond – $4,000-6,000 in VF
- 1898 penny in high grade – $3,000-5,000
Budget: Over $20,000
- Sammy Marks Tickey – $25,000-80,000+
- 1874 Burgerspond – $50,000-125,000+
- 1902 Veldpond – $30,000-60,000+
- 1892 proof set – $150,000+
- 1899 "Single 9" Pond – R20,000,000+ (approx. $1.1M)
Where to Find ZAR Coins
- Specialist dealers: Randburg Coin, Gary Beukman Coins, Southern African Coin Company
- Auction houses: Heritage, Noonans, Spink, London Coins, Stephan Welz & Co.
- Coin shows: SAAND coin fairs, Western Cape Numismatic Society events
- Online: MA-Shops, VCoins (vet dealers carefully)
NextExchange, a South African buyer, actively seeks ZAR period coins including fractional denominations, ½ pond, and 1 pond .
Final Advice for ZAR Collectors
- Study before buying: Levine's book is essential reading – chapters include collecting for beginners, coin care and grading, and comprehensive information on forgeries .
- Condition is everything: For 1893-1897 issues, condition rarity is far more significant than date rarity.
- Beware of cleaned coins: Many ZAR coins have been cleaned over the years. Original surfaces command significant premiums.
- Focus on one denomination: Completing a date set of one denomination is more achievable than a full type set.
- Consider certified coins: For high-value purchases, NGC or PCGS certification provides peace of mind and future liquidity.
"Coin-collectors, particularly ZAR enthusiasts, will welcome the publication of this detailed study of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek coinage." – Description of Levine's foundational work
Sources
- Levine, Elias. The Coinage and Counterfeits of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek. Purnell, 1974 .
- NextExchange buyer's guide. "Unveiling the Value: A Comprehensive Guide to Collectables Sought by NextExchange" (Dec 2025) .
- MDC Monnaies de Collection. Auction 17, Lot 253 – 1898 Penny PCGS MS65RD .
- The South African Mint. "Numismatics – Guidelines for beginners" .
- Hern, Brian. The Standard Catalogue of South African Coins, Medals and Tokens (annual).
- Western Cape Numismatic Society research articles.