Rare Verwoerd coins to ignite global bidding war at auction

Two of the most historically significant coins in South African history—including a ‘mythical’ one-cent piece and a gold R1 personally struck by former apartheid Prime Minister HF Verwoerd—are set to go under the hammer next month in an auction expected to draw massive global interest. The items, which serve as tangible relics of the birth of the Republic of South Africa, lead a prestigious double-header at Bassani Auction House on the 3rd and 4th of May.

At the heart of the sale is the "Full Ground" variety of the 1961 1-cent coin. While over 52 million standard brass cents were minted that year, this particular variety was reserved for the elite.

“The Full Ground variety is believed to have been specially struck for select members of parliament and prominent figures at the time,” explained Landon Coleske, senior numismatic expert at Bassani.

“With a rumoured mintage of just 80 coins—and only around 20 examples believed to exist today—it has achieved near mythical status among collectors.”

This specific example carries a provenance that Coleske describes as "extraordinary." Accompanied by an official South African Mint letter, it is confirmed as the fifth coin ever minted in 1961. Its historical weight is further amplified by its former owner: Prime Minister HF Verwoerd himself. “In numismatics, such provenance creates a unique opportunity, transforming an already rare coin into a truly one-of-a-kind historical artifact,” Coleske said.

The Monday night Confirmation Auction will also feature the seventh-ever minted 1961 Gold R1, a piece personally struck by the former Prime Minister. Together, these coins offer what experts describe as a "rare and powerful connection" to the nation’s transition into a republic, combining extreme scarcity with direct political lineage.

the excitement extends beyond the Verwoerd collection. The preceding evening, Sunday 3rd May, will see the Signature Auction 24 showcase legendary rarities including the 1898 Sammy Marks Tickey, of which only 215 were struck. Also featured are the 1874 Burgers Pond ‘Fine Beard’—the first South African coin— and the 1902 Veld Pond, a wartime issue from the Anglo-Boer conflict. Both of the latter have previously commanded six-figure prices.

As the local numismatic market gains international traction, Bassani’s chief executive officer, Dillon Bassani, believes the upcoming sales represent a pivotal moment for investors and historians alike.

“For collectors, historians, and investors alike, this May represents a rare opportunity to own a tangible piece of South African history,” he says. “Auctions like these further position the country on the international stage.”