South Africa: Orange Free State. Republic silver Counterstamped Kroon 1887 AU55 NGC,...

Description

Exceedingly Rare Counterstamped 1887 Kroon

Orange Free State. Republic silver Counterstamped Kroon 1887 AU55 NGC, Berlin mint, cf. KM-XPn3 (for base type), Hern-O5. 26.92gm. Counterstamp (UNC Strong): "I.B.E.A. Co 1888" with balance scales, and the Persian word ADLI ('the Just') for Imperial British East Africa Company. Hern suggests there are only 10 pieces extant of this counterstamped type. On the other hand, the same source suggests due to the strategic positioning of the counterstamp covering the word "ESSAY" normally seen on the corresponding Patterns, these issues could have been used as currency. This suggestion might be supporting the fact that the selection at hand admits balanced wear consistent with a brief tour in circulation. Nonetheless, an exceedingly rare offering and as the sole certified example at NGC, this prized collectable will undoubtedly be met with ferocious bidding activity.

The Orange Free State stands as one of the Boer Republics established in South Africa. The British claimed it in 1900, leading to its inclusion into the Union of South Africa in 1910. In 1888, the Imperial British East Africa Company initiated the development of what is presently known as Kenya, starting from the Mombasa port. The initial coins in line with India's Rupee standard were produced in Birmingham, bearing the same balance scales, motto, and the inscription 'MOMBASA.' The mintmark 'LLC' belonging to the Ludwig Christian Lauer firm in Nurnberg, Germany, was hidden by the counterstamp. This firm is renowned for creating several admired patterns of this era for places such as the South African Republic (Transvaal), Orange Free State, Cape Colony, and Griquatown. Although the Orange Free State could not produce its own coinage for circulation, the silver Kroon, bronze Two Pence, and bronze Penny pieces were all crafted by the Lauer Company.

Ex. Dix Noonan Webb Sale 95-96 (November 2011, Lot 156)
Ex. Heritage Auction 311 (January 2003, Lot 13334)
Ex. Hans Schulman (March 1965, Lot 805)

From the Gatsby Collection

Metal: Silver
Diameter: 38.61mm
Weight: 7.5g
ASW: 0.2409oz

More information about South African Coins. See also: South Africa World Coin Nationality.

View Certification Details from NGC