Discover the 1952 One Hundred Pound banknote: a collector's dream at rare auction

In a landscape where each fragment of history tells a story, few items evoke as much fascination and allure as the 1952 One Hundred Pound banknote. Celebrated by collectors as the “holy grail” of paper money, this monumental note is not just an echo of South Africa’s economic past; it represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those who seek to own a piece of numismatic history. Its appearance at Bassani’s Signature Auction 16 on 27 July is poised to create waves among investors and heritage enthusiasts alike.

With the auction commencing at 19:00 on Sunday, 27 July, excitement surrounding this sale has reached an international crescendo. Bassani’s is set to showcase some of the rarest and most historically significant collectibles ever seen on South African soil, thus cementing its status as a frontline player in the numismatics market. “The South African numismatics market is exploding,” states Landon Coleske, a historian and numismatist at Bassani’s. “Collectors from across the globe are now showing interest in items we once considered local history. It’s a privilege to share these stories and to witness record prices auction after auction.”

Regarded as the quintessential note, the £100 banknote boasts the highest denominational value ever issued for South Africa. Initially limited to just 15,000 examples, the rarity of the note is hard to overstate. Coleske estimates that fewer than a thousand are still in existence today, many in poor condition, marred by folds and tears. “The note at the Bassani auction is in pristine condition,” he asserts, noting that well-preserved copies typically fetch between R50,000 and R70,000.

While the 1952 £100 banknote takes centre stage, it is but one jewel among many in this exceptional auction. Other notable items include:

• 1874 Burgerspond Fine Beard (AU55): One of only 695 ever minted, this is the first official coin of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR), renowned for its “fine beard” portrait of President T.F. Burgers.
• 1961 M.H. de Kock Z/1 R1 Replacement Banknote: With only 30,000 printed during a pivotal year for South Africa, this banknote is particularly sought-after, especially in good condition.
• 1921 One Pound Note – Signed by W.H. Clegg: Marking the first year of issue for South African banknotes, this piece bears the signature of the nation’s first Reserve Bank Governor.
• 1931 10 Shillings Note – ‘Cancelled’ Overprint: Featuring a bold “Cancelled” stamp, this unique transitional issue offers a fascinating insight into early note circulation.
• Interconnected South African 2c Error Coins: A remarkable minting mistake, these are the first known pair of local Error Coins struck to fit together physically.
• 2003 South African 20c Error – Struck on a Swaziland 5c Blank: This highly unusual mint error is the first of its kind ever to appear in a South African auction.

Both the banknotes and coins available at the auction possess immense historical value, their preservation reflecting an era when South Africa transitioned from the Union to a republic. “Our auctions are no longer just for seasoned collectors,” notes Dilion Bassani, CEO of Bassani’s auction house. “We’re seeing students, young professionals, and first-time bidders get involved. There’s something deeply emotional about owning a piece of South Africa’s history.”

With a burgeoning loyal bidder base, record-breaking sales, and a fast, secure digital auction platform, Bassani’s has entrenched itself as a reliable household name in the collectibles world. This July, every auction represents a new chance to invest not just in currency, but in culture, value, and legacy.