½ Pond – Double Shaft
| Year: | 1892 |
|---|---|
| Coin: | ½ Pond – Double Shaft |
| Diameter: | 19,4mm |
| Mass: | 3,994 grammes |
| Edge: | Milled |
| Designer: | Otto Schultz |
| Metal Content: | Gold 916,92 / Copper 83,08 (or copper & silver alloy) |
| Mintage Figure: | 10 150 |
Obverse
| Design: | President Paul Kruger |
|---|---|
| Inscription: | ZUID AFRIKAANSCHE REPUBLIEK |
| Remarks: | This is the first time that the ‘Half Pond’ or 10 shilling Gold coins were minted in South Africa. |
Reverse
| Design: | Z.A.R. Coat of Arms, wagon with double shaft |
|---|---|
| Inscription: | ½ POND *1892* |
| Remarks: | This coin was minted at the Royal Mint of Prussia in Berlin. It incorrectly shows the oxwagon as having a double shaft and the front and back wheels as being the same diameter. |
A Brief History
In 1891, with the election coming up and with President Kruger facing strong opposition, he was anxious to bring the Republics new coins into circulation. The new Mint was not yet operating so the President placed an order for coins dated 1892 with the Kaisermunt in Berlin. The first consignment of pounds, half pounds and crowns arrived with two shafts on the wagon and similar size front and rear wheels in the coat of arms. (The traditional Voortrekker wagon had a single shaft and rear wheels larger than the front wheels.) To add insult to injury the designer, Otto Schultz, had followed custom and placed his initials below Kruger’s’ bust – which is Afrikaans for ox. This mistake almost cost Kruger the election. Subsequently, new coins with the appropriate correction were brought into circulation. The ‘offensive’ coins had received so much publicity that many were kept as mementos. This is why they can still be found in mint condition, though very scarce.
Did you know
The 1898 Single “9” is the most important African coin. Sold by Rare Coin Investments.
Understanding "No Grade"
Don't get caught out!
A guide to the states of condition that can cause a coin to be rejected for NGC certification.