1892 Half Kruger Pond Double Shaft
The Double Shaft Half Pond is easily identified by the depiction of two shafts on the Voortrekker wagon. In reality, the traditional Voortrekker wagon used a single shaft (disselboom) to allow for oxen to be harnessed on either side. This coin also bears the initials O.S. on President Kruger’s shoulder, representing the designer Otto Schultz.
This coin was part of the first series struck for the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR) and was produced by the Prussian Mint in Berlin. Several design errors were carried over into the half pond:
- The wagon mistakenly displays two shafts instead of one.
- The front wheels of the wagon were not made smaller than the rear wheels as they should be.
- The initials "O.S." unintentionally resembled the Afrikaans word for "ox," adding to the controversy.
The symbolism of the wagon was culturally significant to the Burghers, and the errors caused public outrage. The backlash was so strong it is believed to have nearly cost President Paul Kruger his re-election. The unreleased coins were subsequently melted down. It is believed only a single specimen of the Single Shaft half pond exists.
The example shown above is a certified Double Shaft Half Pond graded MS61.
Coin Specifications
| Coin Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Hern's Number | Z38 |
| Krause-Mishler Number | KM#9.1 |
| Designer | Otto Schultz |
| Diameter | 19.4 mm |
| Thickness | 1.55 mm |
| Mintage | 10,150 |
| Weight | 3.994 gm |
| Gold Content | 3.661 gm |
| Copper Content | 0.333 gm |
| Best Known NGC | MS66 |
| Best Known PCGS | MS65 |
1892 Double Shaft Half Pond
| Sample Sales | ||
|---|---|---|
| USA Based Auction Apr 2018 | PCGS AU53 | US $5,520 |
| USA Based Auction May 2021 | PCGS AU53 | US $9,000 |
| USA Based Auction May 2024 | PCGS AU53 | US $2,760 |
The Curious Case of the 1892 Double Shaft Half Pond
The 1892 Double Shaft Half Pond holds a unique place in South African numismatics. While not classified as an especially rare coin, it is nonetheless not frequently seen in auctions — a curious contradiction that has kept collectors intrigued.
What makes this coin particularly interesting is the repeated appearance of a specific specimen at major U.S. auctions. In April 2018, a PCGS AU53 graded coin sold for $5,520. That same exact coin resurfaced in May 2021, where it remarkably fetched a higher price of $9,000. Yet again, in May 2024, the very same coin appeared and this time sold for a much lower $2,760.
This sequence of sales highlights how market conditions, timing, and buyer interest can significantly influence a coin’s value — even when it’s the same example being offered. It also reinforces the fact that although the 1892 Double Shaft Half Pond isn't exceedingly rare, its auction appearances are irregular enough to generate interest when they occur.
Collectors value this coin for its connection to the historic 1892 ZAR series and its distinctive double shaft wagon design. With an eye-catching backstory and an unpredictable auction history, the 1892 Double Shaft Half Pond remains a coin to watch in the ever-evolving numismatic market.