Discover the significance of a rare 1961 one-cent coin and a gold R1, both linked to former Prime Minister Hendrik Verwoerd, as they go under the hammer at Bassani’s Confirmation Auction on May 4.
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A rare 1961 one-cent coin once owned by former prime minister Hendrik Verwoerd, along with a 1961 gold R1 personally struck by him, are set to go under the hammer at Bassani’s Confirmation Auction on May 4.
The coins are expected to attract strong interest from both local and international collectors, according to Bassani Auction House senior numismatic expert Landon Coleske.
The standout lot is the 1961 Full Ground variety of the South African one-cent coin, regarded as one of the country’s rarest modern coins and closely linked to the establishment of the Republic of South Africa, he says.
Coleskes says while more than 52 million standard brass one-cent coins were minted in 1961, the Full Ground variety is exceptionally scarce.
“The Full Ground variety is believed to have been specially struck for select members of parliament and prominent figures at the time. With a rumoured mintage of just 80 coins and only around 20 examples believed to exist today, it has achieved near mythical status among collectors.
“Its rarity has sparked decades of searching, with enthusiasts going through millions of ordinary 1961 1-cent coins in the hope of finding this elusive variety,” says Coleske.
Coleske says the provenance of the specific coin being auctioned made it even more significant.
“What elevates this specific example even further is its extraordinary provenance. Accompanied by an official South African Mint letter, the coin is confirmed as the 5th coin ever minted in 1961, marking the beginning of South Africa’s Republic era,” Coleske explains.
The coin was previously owned by Verwoerd, adding further historical significance to the piece.
On the same evening, Bassani will also auction the seventh-ever minted 1961 gold R1, a coin personally struck by Verwoerd.
“Together, these two coins provide a rare and powerful connection to South Africa’s transition into a republic, combining rarity, history, and direct association with one of the country’s most influential political figures,” Coleske says.
Bassani says the auction house continues to expand its presence in the numismatic market by bringing historically significant items to auction.
The auction follows Bassani’s Signature Auction 24 on 3 May, which will include several other sought-after South African rarities, including the 1898 Sammy Marks Tickey, of which only 215 were struck.
Also set to feature are the 1874 Burgers Pond Fine Beard, recognised as South Africa’s first coin and limited to 695 minted examples, and the 1902 Veld Pond, a wartime issue with only 986 minted.
“For collectors, historians, and investors alike, this May represents a rare opportunity to own a tangible piece of South African history,” says Dillon Bassani, chief executive officer of Bassani Auction House.
“As the South African numismatic market continues to grow and attract global attention, auctions like these further position the country on the international stage,” Bassani adds.
The Signature Auction 24 will take place on Sunday, May 3, at 7 pm, followed by the Confirmation Auction on Monday, May 4, at 8:30 pm on the Bassani Auction House platform.
PERSONAL FINANCE