South Africa: Republic gold "Veld" Pond 1902 MS65 NGC,...

Description

Among the Finest "Veld" Ponds

Republic gold "Veld" Pond 1902 MS65 NGC, Pilgrims Rest mint, KM11, Fr-4, Hern-Z54. Reported Mintage: 986. With slash to upper left of obverse variety. Practically unattainable quality for such a storied and coveted type, which ranks at similar notoriety to the Burgers Pond and the Sammy Marks "Tickey" in this very auction. A relic of the historically important and costly Second Boer War, struck by Boer forces towards the end of the conflict while retreating from the British. Adjacent to obsidional issues and the result of necessity to pay Boer soldier's wages, these pieces were produced in the "veld" or "field" at a makeshift mint in the bush at Pilgrims Rest. P.J. Kloppers, who had no professional experience as a die sinker, and had been previously employed as a school teacher, was tasked with the job of creating the dies. In doing so, he wisely opted for simplicity, illustrating a proudly defiant "ZAR" monogram and date to the obverse and the denomination to the reverse. In doing so, Kloppers created one of crudest and most distinguished types of the 20th century. At this level of preservation, "Veld" Ponds are encountered only once every few years, the last of which at decidedly Gem Mint State we handled being at our January NYINC auction in 2017. Having developed a most pleasing honeyed patination lit ablaze by boundless mint luster, it is clear this piece was cherished in an advanced cabinet for decades. While a planchet imperfection is noted to the base of the coin for the sake of completeness, this does little to hinder the superior aesthetic caliber of the piece at hand, remaining practically as struck and fully brilliant.

Metal: Gold
Diameter: 23mm
AGW: 0.260803oz
Mintage: 986

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



Note for clients in the European Union: This lot is considered by the European Union to be “investment gold”. We believe that it meets the criteria established in Article 344(1), point (2) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC and thus should be exempt from import VAT regardless of the selling price. Any questions or concerns about VAT should be addressed to your accountant or local tax authority.

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