South Africa 1954 1/2 pound
This specimen was part of lot 35045 in Heritage sale 3067 (Long Beach, September 2018), which sold for $480. The catalog description[1] noted, "South Africa: Elizabeth II 2-Piece Certified gold Proof Set 1954, 1) 1/2 Pound - PR65 ANACS, KM 53; 2) Pound - PR60 ANACS, KM 54. A gorgeous set with both pieces exhibiting full watery effects, only the lightest of marks, and slightly radiate finishes to the fields. From the Feeling Good Collection." This type was minted in small numbers 1953-60 but as all are in collector's hands, it obtains little premium. In 1960, South Africa withdrew from the British Commonwealth and in 1961 issued all new coins, dropping the bust of the queen for explorer Jan van Riebeeck.
Recorded mintage: 1,275 proofs.
Specification: 3.99 g, 0.917 fine gold, .117 troy oz AGW.
Catalog reference: Fr-9; KM-53.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- Hern, Brian, John Bothma and Hercie Pieterse, Hern's Handbook on South African Coins & Patterns, Ferndale, South Africa, 2013.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, 2018 September 6-11 Long Beach Expo World Coins & Ancient Coins Signature Auction #3067, Dallas: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2018.
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