Heritage Auctions Offers Ultra-Rarity from South Africa Certified by NGC

The greatest coin in all of South African numismatics is being offered by Heritage Auctions alongside other impressive rarities from that country that are certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company® (NGC®). Bidding begins in mid-December for 50 lots from the Gatsby Collection, which are part of Heritage Auctions' NYINC Platinum Session World & Ancient Coins Signature® Auction, being held on January 13, 2025.

The South Africa 1898 Stamped Single '9' Pond graded NGC MS 63 PL is in a league of its own, having reportedly been sold in a private sale more than a decade ago for a seven-figure amount. It was struck at the onset of the Second Boer War in November 1898 in Pretoria, the capital of the South African Republic. The British had seized the 1899 reverse dies, forcing the mint master to resort to a punch below President Paul Kruger's bust on the obverse to signify a new date. Initially, a single '9' punch was attempted, but it was found to be too large, and so a smaller '99' punch was used for the remaining 130 pieces.

Click images to enlarge.

The unique Single '9' coin was presented to the United States Consul General, who was sympathetic to the South African Republic (which was ultimately dissolved by the British after they prevailed in the Second Boer War in 1902). The coin later found its way into the collection of Egypt's King Farouk and has exchanged hands several times since then, mostly in private sales and at escalating prices.

Click images to enlarge.

A Stamped '99' Pond from the Gatsby Collection is also being offered in this auction. With a grade of NGC MS 65, it is surpassed by only one other example in the NGC Census, among a total of 22 listed there.

Other NGC-certified highlights from the Gatsby Collection in this sale include:

• a South Africa 1902 Veld Pond graded NGC MS 65
• a South Africa 1874 ZAR Gilt-Copper 5 Shillings graded NGC PF 64 Ultra Cameo
• a South Africa 1892 Penny graded NGC PF 65 RD
• a South Africa 1887 Counterstamped Silver Kroon graded NGC AU 55 with a grade of NGC UNC Strong for the Counterstamp
• a South Africa 1892 Half Pond - Double Shaft graded NGC PF 64 Cameo
• a South Africa 1892 Pond - Double Shaft graded NGC PF 64
• a South Africa 1898 ZAR Gold 3 Pence graded NGC MS 63
• a South Africa 1874 ZAR Gilt-Bronze Pond graded NGC PF 63
• a South Africa 1887 Orange Free State Copper Kroon graded NGC MS 62 BN
• a South Africa 1892 Copper 2.5 Shillings graded NGC AU 58 BN