Rare ancient Chinese coins and modern Krugerrands to be auctioned in South Africa

In a historic showcase of numismatic treasures, a curated selection of ancient Chinese coins alongside modern rarities, including the coveted 1992 1oz Gold Krugerrand will come up for auction.

This auction is poised to capture the imagination of collectors and history enthusiasts alike as it ventures into a global sphere of numismatics rarely seen in South Africa.

Among the standout pieces is a rare bronze coin dating back to 475 BC, which provides a tangible connection to the ancient dynasties that ruled long before the emergence of the Roman Empire and centuries prior to the establishment of Afrikaans or contemporary South Africa. The inclusion of such artefacts marks a bold leap for Bassani into unchartered territory within the world of coin collecting.

The auction's modern highlight—the 1992 1oz Gold Krugerrand—continues to ignite fervour among serious investors, with fewer than 3,000 examples known to exist. This particular year has become a cornerstone in Krugerrand portfolios due to its low mintage and escalating global demand. Regularly trading for well over R90,000, it has firmly established itself as a must-have collectible and investment piece.

This landmark auction follows the overwhelming success of the Afrikaans is 100 gold coin earlier this year, which celebrated a century of the Afrikaans language. Sold in partnership with Afrimunt and iTickets, all 30 one-ounce coins, priced at R124,000 each, vanished within minutes, with coin number one later selling for a staggering R358,000 at auction.

As Signature Auction 15 approaches, it promises to carry the momentum forward, offering collectors a unique opportunity to procure pieces that span various empires, cultures, and ideologies. According to Bassani’s Head Numismatist, Landon Coleske, “This auction is more than a sale — it’s a museum moment. From the gold of the Boer republic to the bronze of early Chinese dynasties, these coins are echoes of empire, resistance, and nationhood.”

The auction will notably celebrate South Africa's rich numismatic heritage, showcasing the legendary 1874 Burgers Pond (Coarse Beard, AU55), which headlines the ZAR collection. This historic coin, a symbol of South Africa's birthright, features the portrait of then-leader Thomas François Burgers. With only 142 coins ever struck, this particular AU55 graded example is anticipated to fetch between R500,000 and R700,000.

Equally captivating is the 1898 ZAR Pond “Stamped 99” (AU55), a dramatic relic from the Anglo-Boer War, with just 130 minted. This piece represents the final plight of the Zuid-Afrikaanse Republiek before British conquest and carries its own legacy of defiance and survival, especially in light of the famed Single 9 Pond’s recent sale for over R41 million.

Signature Auction 15 features a total of 73 lots, including:

• Zuid-Afrikaanse Republiek coinage
• Rare Krugerrands and low-mintage pattern coins
• Museum-quality banknotes, including a pristine T.W. de Jongh R5 specimen
• Ancient and world coins with remarkable examples from early China and the classical world

As passionate collectors and history aficionados prepare for this exceptional event, the excitement surrounding the Bassani auction serves as a poignant reminder of the stories and legacies encapsulated within every piece of currency. Whether a seasoned numismatist or a curious newcomer, this auction invites all to witness a true celebration of heritage and history in the world of coins.

Collectors, investors, historians and connoisseurs are invited to register early and review the online catalogue. Bidding is available via Bassani Live, telephone, and pre-auction submission.