South Africa 1988 protea KM-130
This specimen was lot 32317 in Heritage sale 3067 (Long Beach, September 2018), where it sold for $1,620. The catalog description[1] noted, "South Africa: Republic gold Proof "Great Trek" Protea 1988 PR69 Ultra Cameo NGC. An enticing modern proof, just one point away from technical grade perfection. The planchet of this deeply reflective specimen is tinged a light peach-gold, subduing the brightness somewhat to allow the viewer to properly appreciate the immaculate frosted devices." This NCLT commemorates the 150th anniversary of the "Great Trek", wherein the Boers left the Cape Colony for greener pastures to the northeast, where they could massacre and enslave the locals with impunity. The discovery of gold and diamonds there in the 1890's caused the British to follow them, triggering the Boer War of 1898-1901. The protea, a one ounce gold coin named after the South African national flower, was probably intended to supersede the krugerrand, which it failed to do. It was struck 1986-2001 nevertheless.
Recorded mintage: 2,956 proofs.
Specification: 33.93 g, 0.917 fine gold, 32.7 mm diameter, 1.000 troy oz AGW.
Catalog reference: KM 130.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th 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.
- 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.
- [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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