In 1874 the president of the Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR), Thomas Francois Burgers, commissioned the minting of the first indigenous coins. These coins (staatsponden) were delivered in 2 batches, the first batch consisting of the Fine Beard variety and the second of the Coarse Beard variety. Only 695 Fine Beard Burgers Ponde and 142
Coarse Beard Burgers Ponde were ever struck.
The Coarse Beards were struck with a new minting die, as the original die broke, thus creating the 2 varieties. Both these coins are extremely rare and highly sought-after.
Recognising a Coarse Beard Burgers Pond:
- The beard shows 4 thick points with the front pair being shorter than the back
- The beard is heavier and flatter in curvature
- The burr is on the edge of the reverse
- The 8 in the date, 1874, on some pieces appear to be double. This is due to a flaw in the die
- The lower neck hair is more pronounced than that of the Fine Beard Burgers Pond
Contact The South African Gold Coin Exchange today by completing the form below or email online@sagoldcoin.com about the Coarse Beard Burgers Ponde, Fine Beard Burgers Ponde or other ZAR coins.
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