1897 Half Kruger Pond – Single Shaft
1897 Half Kruger Pond
The 1897 Half Pond was the final year this denomination was minted. Despite a relatively modest mintage, examples in uncirculated condition (UNC) are rare. The coin pictured below is an exceptional AU55.
1897 Half Pond Forgeries
There are currently no widespread issues with forgeries of the 1897 Half Pond. However, caution is advised with coins that may have been altered or previously mounted.
Many half ponds were made into cufflinks or jewelry. Look for signs of soldering or damage in the center of the coin. It is strongly recommended to purchase certified examples when possible.
Coin Specifications
| Coin Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Hern's Number | Z43 |
| Krause-Mishler Number | KM#9.2 |
| Designer | Otto Schultz |
| Diameter | 19.4 mm |
| Thickness | 1.55 mm |
| Mintage | 75,074 |
| Weight | 3.994 gm |
| Gold Content | 3.661 gm |
| Copper Content | 0.333 gm |
| Best Known Grade | MS64 |
1897 Single Shaft Half Pond
| Sample Sales | ||
|---|---|---|
| USA Based Auction Aug 2011 | NGC XF45 | US $543 |
| USA Based Auction Sep 2012 | PCGS AU50 | US $587 |
| USA Based Auction Apr 2013 | PCGS MS62 | US $7050 |
| USA Based Auction Apr 2014 | NGC AU55 | US $705 |
| USA Based Auction Jul 2014 | NGC AU55 | US $611 |
| USA Based Auction Sep 2014 | NGC AU55 | US $528 |
| USA Based Auction Feb 2015 | NGC XF40 | US $258 |
| USA Based Auction Apr 2015 | PCGS MS63 | US $14,100 |
| USA Based Auction Apr 2015 | NGC XF45 | US $376 |
| USA Based Auction Sep 2015 | NGC MS64 | US $9,987 |
| USA Based Auction Jan 2017 | NGC AU50 | US $329 |
| USA Based Auction May 2017 | NGC XF45 | US $188 |
| USA Based Auction Jun 2018 | NGC AU55 | US $384 |
| USA Based Auction Jan 2019 | NGC MS62 | US $3,600 |
| USA Based Auction Dec 2020 | PCGS XF40 | US $228 |
| USA Based Auction Jan 2021 | NGC AU53 | US $264 |
| USA Based Auction Sep 2021 | NGC AU55 | US $384 |
| USA Based Auction Mar 2022 | NGC XF45 | US $264 |
| USA Based Auction Mar 2023 | NGC AU55 | US $384 |
| USA Based Auction Aug 2023 | NGC AU55 | US $312 |
| USA Based Auction May 2024 | NGC AU55 | US $372 |
| USA Based Auction Jan 2025 | NGC MS64 | US $5,040 |
1897 Single Shaft Half Pond: Modest Availability, Big Rewards in High Grade
The 1897 Single Shaft Half Pond has surfaced regularly in auctions over the past decade, though mostly in mid-grade conditions. While not the rarest issue in the ZAR series, this coin has demonstrated strong market potential when found in mint state.
The standout result came in April 2015, when a PCGS MS63 example sold for a remarkable $14,100. Other high-grade coins also achieved strong prices, such as a PCGS MS62 that fetched $7,050 in 2013 and a NGC MS64 that sold for $9,987 in 2015. Most recently, a NGC MS64 achieved $5,040 in January 2025.
Mid-grade coins—ranging from AU50 to AU55—have generally sold between $264 and $705, with consistent activity from 2011 to 2024. XF45 examples typically trade in the $250–$550 range, while lower grades have dipped below $200 at times.
This performance shows that while the 1897 Half Pond is relatively accessible in circulated grades, exceptional value lies in high-grade specimens, which remain much harder to find. For collectors focused on quality, this date presents exciting upside potential.