Short History of Early ZAR Gold Coins of South Africa

The first gold coin minted for South Africa was the Burgers Pond and minted in Berlin. Two types were struck in 1874: the Coarse Beard Burgers Pond and the Fine Beard Burgers Pond, as shown below.

Half Pond

In 1892, the first Half Pond was minted. Of the total mintage, 20 were proofs, and the remainder were circulation coins. Half Ponds were produced until 1897.

Kruger Ponds

Also beginning in 1892, full Ponds were minted. There were two versions that year: the Double Shaft and Single Shaft. The most visible difference is the design of the wagon shafts. The Double Shaft version also features the designer Otto Schultz’s initials "O.S." on President Kruger’s shoulder. Only about 10 Double Shaft Ponds were proofs. Kruger Ponds were minted in this form through 1898.

1898/99 Single Nine

The famous Single Nine was created by punching a single “9” on the shoulder of President Kruger on a 1898 Pond obverse. Only one coin exists. Just sold Jan 2025 for $2,160,000.

1898/99 Double Nine

The Double Nine or “99” was stamped below Kruger’s shoulder on 130 coins, making it extremely rare and desirable.

1900 Kruger Pond

The 1900 Kruger Pond had the highest mintage of any gold coin in the Kruger series. However, many were backdated to 1898 or melted down.

Blank Ponds

In 1900, two types of blanks were struck: with rim and rimless. Exact mintage numbers are unknown. Genuine examples must show distinctive scraper marks to be authenticated.

Veld Pond

The 1902 Veld Pond was struck from 24-carat gold under wartime conditions using equipment from the Transvaal Gold Mining Estates. It stands as a testament to Boer ingenuity during the Anglo-Boer War. TGM was still operational as a gold mine until 1990.