Historic 1899 Single 9 Pond coin returns home after record-breaking auction

In a thrilling encounter that captivated numismatic aficionados globally, the iconic 1899 Single 9 Pond has returned home after setting a world-record price of R40.5 million during the Gatsby Collection auction in January 2025, hosted by Heritage Auctions in Texas. This historical coin, representing a pivotal moment in South African numismatics, is set to take centre stage once more at the Bassani Gatsby Auction on 1st February, marking its much-anticipated homecoming on South African soil.

Landon Coleske, historian and numismatic expert at Bassani's Auction House, remarked, "That moment firmly cemented the Gatsby Collection as the defining benchmark for South African numismatics." The excitement from the January auction resonated across continents, as fierce bidding came from collectors in Europe, North America, Asia, and Southern Africa, all eager to own a piece of this treasure trove.

The 1899 Single 9 Pond was not the only star of the show. Other coins that generated fervour among collectors included the 1898/99 Double 9 Pond, which sold for approximately R2.02 million, and the 1874 Burgers Pond, Coarse Beard, fetching R1.35 million. Notable sales also included the 1887 OFS Pattern Kroon at R1.24 million and the 1967 Krugerrand Pattern in Silver at approximately R585,000.

Coleske noted that the results from January showcased the collection’s unparalleled depth and quality. “These sales not only shattered long-standing price records but reaffirmed South Africa's position as one of the most significant numismatic regions in the world,” he stated, emphasizing the sustained global appetite for elite South African material as seen with the sale of the 1897 Gold Sixpence in August 2025, which achieved R3.94 million.

On 1st February, South African enthusiasts will have the unique opportunity to participate in a dedicated local auction featuring a 49-lot event comprised entirely of coins from the distinguished Gatsby Collection. “This represents a moment where South African collectors are offered direct access to material from the same provenance that produced the world-record-breaking Single 9,” stated Dillon Bassani, the chief executive officer of Bassani Auction House.

The allure of collecting South African coins remains evergreen, thanks to their low mintages, rich histories and high collector demand. "Historically significant and scarce pieces, such as the Veldpond and the Sammy Marks Tickey, are particularly sought after," added Coleske. Not only do these coins carry intrinsic value, but they also present attractive capital gains tax treatments for investors holding such collectables.

The rise in precious metal prices has rendered high-quality numismatic material an increasingly resilient and compelling alternative investment. Bassani explained that gold has surged by approximately 48% in South African Rand over the past year, while silver has seen an impressive rise of about 190%, indicating strong global demand and a weaker rand.

As the Bassani Gatsby Auction approaches, anticipation builds for collectors eager to secure their own pieces of the esteemed Gatsby Collection. The auction is set to begin at 19:00, promising an electrifying night of bidding and celebration for South African numismatics.