South Africa 1892 2-1/2 shillings

Heritage sale 3024, lot 25495

photo courtesy Heritage Auction Galleries

This specimen was lot 25495 in Heritage sale 3024 (Chicago, April 2013), where it sold for $5,875. The catalog description^[1] noted, "Republic Proof 2 1/2 Shillings 1892, Proof 64 Cameo NGC, a superb example with flashy mirror surfaces and instant eye appeal. Rare and most desirable in this elite quality." South Africa, after a turbulent history between English and Dutch settlers and the native population, was constituted the Union of South Africa in 1910. This coin was issued 1892-97 by the Afrikaner republic before its conquest by the British. With the collapse of apartheid, collecting South African coins is now respectable again.

Recorded mintage: 16,000 plus a few proofs.

Specification: 14.14 g, 0.925 fine silver, .420 troy oz ASW.

Catalog reference: KM-7.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
• Hern, Brian, John Bothma and Hercie Pieterse, Hern's Handbook on South African Coins & Patterns, Ferndale, South Africa, 2013.
• ^[1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and David Michaels, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3024, featuring the Kairos and Elizabeth McPhall Charters Collections, Dallas: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2013.

Link to:

• 1892 penny
• 1892 3 pence
• 1892 sixpence
• 1892 shilling
• 1892 2 shillings
• 1892 5 shillings
• 1892 half pond
• 1892 pond
• 1893 2½ shillings
• Coins and currency dated 1892