Most Wanted Old South African Coins for Cash (2025)
By MoneyToday Team • Dec 01, 2024 • 7 min read
While millions of South Africans are trying to sell common Mandela R5 coins, savvy collectors are hunting for the real treasures.
There are specific South African coins that are so rare and historically significant that dealers will pay cash for them immediately. We call these the "Most Wanted" list. If you have one of these in your granddad's old tin, you might be sitting on a fortune.
The Holy Grails (High Value)
1. The 1902 Veldpond ("Pilgrim's Rest")
Value: R300,000 - R500,000+History: Struck by the Boers on the run during the end of the Anglo-Boer War. They didn't have a mint, so they made these by hand in the field at Pilgrim's Rest.
2. 1892 Kruger Pond ("Double Shaft")
Value: R10,000 - R150,000+History: This was an error coin. When the first Kruger Ponds were minted in Berlin, the wagon on the coin was given two shafts (poles) instead of the single disselboom used in SA.
3. 1931 Tickey (3 Pence)
Value: R10,000 - R200,000+History: Due to the Great Depression, very few coins were minted in 1931. Only 128 of these Tickeys were ever released.
The "Silver" Era (1923 - 1964)
Even if you don't have the ultra-rare coins above, you might have "junk silver". Before 1965, South African coins contained real silver.
| Period | Coin Content | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1923 - 1950 | 80% Silver | High Melt Value |
| 1951 - 1964 | 50% Silver | Moderate Melt Value |
| 1965 - Present | Nickel / Copper | Face Value Only |
*Dealers will buy these by weight (per gram) based on the current silver spot price.
What about the 2008 Mandela R5?
We mention this in every guide because it is the #1 scam in SA.
The 2008 Mandela R5 is NOT rare.
Millions were minted. If it is circulated (used), it is worth R5. Do not pay R500 to "register" to sell it. Real dealers generally do not want these unless they are MS67+ graded.
How to sell these rare coins
1. Identify & Grade
If you think you have a Veldpond or Double Shaft, do not clean it! Cleaning destroys 50% of the value. Take it to a dealer for assessment.
2. Visit a SAAND Dealer
Only deal with members of the South African Association of Numismatic Dealers. They are bound by a code of ethics.