The 2025 South African Numismatic Year in Review

2025 was an absolutely monumental year for South African numismatics and indeed numismatics as a whole with many rare coins, banknotes and other numismatic items crossing the auction block.

It all started in January 2025 at the New York International Numismatic Convention where Part 1 of the Gatsby Collection Focusing on early SA coinage was on offer by Heritage Auctions of the USA. For the first time in over 3 decades, South Africa’s most famed rarity, the 1899 Single 9 Gold Pond was publicly offered (pictured above). Bidding was extremely intense, with strong interest from all around the world. Eventually this deacon of South African numismatics sold for $2.16 million, setting a new record for a SA coin sold on public auction. In the same auction, other great rarities shone with strong prices realized:

·       1898/99 Double 9 Pond NGC MS65 - $108,000

·       1874 Burgerspond Coarse Beard NGC MS65 - $72,000

·       1887 OFS Pattern Kroon NGC MS62BN - $66,000

·       1967 Krugerrand Pattern in Silver NGC PF65 - $31,200

·       1997-SS Krugerrand NGC PF69 Cameo - $27,600

Part II of this amazing collection then went on sale in August 2025, with standout Union coins making up the bulwark of this offering. The auction was highlighted in particular by the following:

·       1897 Gold Sixpence NGC PF63 Cameo - $222,000

·       1928 Pattern Sovereign struck in bronze NGC PF64BN - $111,000

·       1929 Specimen Proof Gold Sovereign NGC SP64 - $69,000

·       1874 Burgerspond Fine Beard NGC MS66 - $66,000

·       1930 NGC Certified Proof Set - $31,200

Part III which crossed the auction block in September contained more “regular” coins albeit of exceptional quality. Coins were on offer from almost every year and denomination across the Union period and was noted for it’s near completeness.

Towards the tail end of the year in November, a special selection of shipwreck coins from wrecks off the South African coast including the Fame (1822), Bredenhof (1753), Joanna (1682), Doddington (1755), Merestein (1702) and Reijgersdaal (1747) was offered, again by Heritage Auctions.

South African banknotes continue to attract strong interest particularly from foreign markets with the early pre-reserve bank issues being particularly sought after. Banknotes from the early colonial period (Cape Rixdollars) to private bank issues (e.g Cape of Good Hope Bank, Somerset West bank, Wellington Bank etc) to those issued by private traders (Mosenthal Brothers) made appearances sporadically throughout the year. Many of the surviving issued notes from this era are unique or close to it and hence it was somewhat remarkable to see a relatively wide selection being offered throughout 2025. Amongst the notes to make public appearances, the following are my standout picks:

• 1883 Western Province Bank 5 Pounds PMG VF25 - $11,400

• 1900 ZAR Government Noot 5 Pounds Serial Number 1 PMG AU53 - $9,000

• 1861 Somerset East Bank 5 Pounds PMG VG10 - $6,600

• 1875 Malmesbury Agricultural and Commercial Bank 5 Pounds F15 - $6,300

• 1881 South African Bank 5 Pounds - $1,680. A previously unknown issue that was only rumored to exist.

On the modern numismatic front, the South African Mint continued to diversify its 2025 offerings, reflecting both heritage and contemporary appeal. Among notable issues was the Silver Proof 2-ounce Krugerrand and Bateleur Eagle Issues, struck in limited quantity with exceptional proof quality — coins that garnered considerable attention from both bullion and collector markets.

According to the South African Reserve Bank’s 2024/25 Annual Report, collectables remain an important part of the Mint’s portfolio strategy, with revenue from collectible and bullion sales growing and new product lines being developed.

2025 also saw a continued resurgence of in-person engagement with the hobby. The Cape Town Coin Show, held in November at the Century City Conference Centre, attracted collectors, dealers and graders from across the country as well as internationally. Hosted by the South African Association of Numismatic Dealers (SAAND) and sponsored by the South African Mint (SAM), the event showcased a wide range of South African numismatic items and provided first purchase opportunities for the limited 2025 Silver Krugerrand with Cape Town privy mark.

Local enthusiasts noted this event as a pivotal gathering that blended education, trade and community spirit — essential ingredients for bolstering the hobby’s longevity and diversity of participation.

All in all, 2025 was a buoyant year for the local market headlined by remarkable auctions, well attended events and a continuation of well-regarded mint issues.