South Africa 1988 rand KM-88
This specimen was lot 74613 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, February 2023), where it sold for $60. The catalog description[1] noted, "SOUTH AFRICA. Rand, 1988. Pretoria Mint. NGC PROOF-67 Ultra Cameo. A tremendous Superb-Gem, this exciting and wholesome example delivers a wholesome appearance and sharp cameo contrast that pleases the eyes." This type was struck 1977-89. The proofs were issued in silver, the circulating issue in nickel. This denomination was also used for NCLT's in 1988, including KM 122 (Bartolomeu Dias), KM 125 (Huguenots) and KM 128 (Great Trek). Soon after, the apartheid regime collapsed and the African National Congress took over. Astoundingly, no bloodbath ensued, an outcome attributable to the unbending integrity of Nelson Mandela.
Recorded mintage: 21,335,000 for circulation plus 7,250 silver proofs.
Specification: KM 88: 15 g, 0.800 fine silver; KM 88a: 12 g, nickel, 31 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM 88 or KM 88a.
- 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.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, February 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction, featuring the David Sterling Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
Link to: