Old Coin Exchange Price List 2025
By MoneyToday Team • Nov 05, 2024 • 6 min read
Do you have an old jar of coins sitting in a cupboard? Many South Africans believe they might be sitting on a goldmine, especially with stories of "Mandela Coins" selling for thousands of Rands.
In this guide, we provide a realistic 2025 exchange price list for South Africa's most sought-after coins, explaining the difference between face value, bullion value, and numismatic (collector) value.
Estimated Price List (2025)
| Coin / Description | Circulated Value | Uncirculated (MS65+) |
|---|---|---|
Kruger Pond (Gold) 1892 - 1900 | R8,000 - R12,000* | R20,000 - R100,000+ |
Kruger Half Pond (Gold) 1892 - 1900 | R4,000 - R6,000* | R10,000 - R50,000+ |
Union Tickey (3d) 1931 (Very Rare) | R50 - R200 | R5,000+ |
Mandela 90th Birthday R5 2008 (Bi-metal) | Face Value (R5) | R50 - R200 (Graded) |
Union Crown (5 Shillings) 1947 - 1960 (Silver) | R150 - R300 (Silver Value) | R500 - R1,200 |
*Gold coin values fluctuate with the daily Gold Spot Price.
The Mandela R5 Coin Myth
Please be careful. You will often see R5 Mandela coins listed on websites like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace for R10,000 or even R50,000.
These are speculative asking prices, not selling prices. Millions of these coins were minted. If you found it in your change (it is "circulated"), it is generally worth R5. It only holds high value if it is "Uncirculated", encapsulated, and graded by a reputable agency (like NGC or PCGS).
Why Grading Matters
The difference between a coin worth R50 and R50,000 is often its Grade. Coin collectors use a scale from 1 to 70.
Circulated
Coins that have been used in commerce. They have scratches, dullness, or wear on the high points of the design. Usually worth only their metal value or face value.
Uncirculated (MS)
"Mint State" coins that have never been used. They retain their original luster (shine). High grades like MS65, MS66, or MS67 command the highest prices.
Where to Exchange/Sell Old Coins
Avoid selling to random individuals on the street or unverified online buyers. Use reputable channels:
- Coin Dealers: Visit registered members of the South African Association of Numismatic Dealers (SAAND). Examples include The Coin Company, Randburg Coin, or Gold Reef City Mint.
- Auction Houses: For truly valuable or rare collections, auction houses like Stephan Welz & Co can fetch market-related prices.
- Gold Buyers: If you have Kruger Ponds or Sovereigns, any reputable gold bullion dealer will buy them for the spot gold price.
Grow your wealth elsewhere?
Collecting coins is a hobby, not always a reliable investment strategy. Consider diversifiying your portfolio.