1874 Fine Beard Burgers Ponde
Also known as the Burgers Staatsponde.
The Fine Beard Pond coins were delivered on 25 July 1874 to Mr J.J. Pratt, the Consul General for the ZAR government in London, and the coins were dispatched to the Transvaal in August 1874.
The Fine Beard Ponde has a sharp "8" in the date 1874 and the beard is finer. There are six distinctive sets of hairs visible on the beard.
The Coarse Beard Ponde has a double strike on the "8," and the hair on the beard appears matted or more closely grouped.
It is known these coins were made from alluvial gold from the Lydenburg district, and the gold was refined by the Johnson Matthey company. The Pondes were minted by Ralph Heaton and Sons—also known as the Birmingham Mint or Heaton's Mint.
1874 Fine Beard Burgers Pond Forgeries
There does not appear to be a significant issue with forgeries, but many surviving coins are ex-mount.
Coin Specifications
| Coin Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Hern's Number | B1 |
| Krause-Mishler Number | KM#1.2 |
| Designer | L.C. Wyon |
| Size Diameter | 22.33 mm |
| Thickness | 2.2098–2.3114 mm |
| Mintage | 695 |
| Weight | 7.91–7.99 gm |
| Gold Content | 7.254–7.33 gm |
| Copper Content | 0.66–0.667 gm |
| Best Known | MS66 |
1874 Fine Beard Burgers Pond Sample Sales
| Date and Auction | Grade/Condition | Price |
|---|---|---|
| USA Based Auction Jan 2012 | NGC MS64 | US $71,875 |
| USA Based Auction Aug 2014 | NGC MS65 | US $94,000 |
| USA Based Auction Sept 2015 | Jewelry | US $3,055 |
| USA Based Auction Sept 2015 | NGC MS62 | US $35,250 |
| USA Based Auction April 2016 | Bad condition (Details) | US $1,520 |
| USA Based Auction Jan 2019 | XF Details | US $3,120 |
| USA Based Auction May 2021 | MS61 | US $28,800 |
| USA Based Auction May 2022 | AU Details | US $5,700 |
| USA Based Auction Jan 2023 | MS65 | US $72,000 |
| USA Based Auction Jan 2024 | UNC Details | US $12,000 |
| USA Based Auction May 2024 | XF Details | US $1,920 |
The 1874 Fine Beard Burgers Pond: A Historic Coin with Consistent Demand
The 1874 Fine Beard Burgers Pond is a significant piece in South African numismatic history. Although more common than the Coarse Beard variety, it remains a prized collector’s item, especially in mint state. Over the years, numerous examples have passed through U.S.-based auctions, demonstrating a wide range of prices based on condition and grading.
One of the standout results occurred in August 2014, when a spectacular NGC MS65 specimen realized $94,000. Similarly, in January 2012, another NGC MS64 sold for $71,875, showcasing sustained interest in high-grade examples.
While mint-state coins command premium prices—such as $72,000 in January 2023 for an MS65—the market also reflects a spectrum of grades and conditions. Coins with issues or lower grades have traded between $1,520 and $12,000, including a jewelry-mounted example that fetched $3,055 in September 2015.
Even in XF Details or AU Details, values remain strong, with examples selling for $1,920 to $5,700 between 2021 and 2024. A notable MS61 coin brought in $28,800 in May 2021, confirming that collectors are still actively seeking these coins in respectable grades.
The 1874 Fine Beard Burgers Pond continues to command attention across condition levels, making it a compelling acquisition for both seasoned investors and passionate collectors.