The Volgrond variant of the 1 cent coin from 1961 which originally belonged to Verwoerd. (Photo: Bassani Auctioneer)
A coin that has achieved almost mythical status among collectors, the Volgrond variant of the 1 cent coin from 1961, which originally belonged to the former prime minister Hendrik Verwoerd, will soon come under the hammer.
A gold R1 coin from 1961, a coin personally minted by Verwoerd, will also be auctioned the same evening. Like the Volgrond variant of the 1 cent coin of 1961, the Gold R1 is expected to attract almost unprecedented local and international bidding interest, said Landon Coleske, senior numismatic expert at the Bassani auctioneer.
The 1961 South African Volgrond 1 cent is a coin closely associated with the founding of the Republic of South Africa.
While more than 52 million standard copper 1 cent coins were minted in 1961, this Volgrond variant is anything but common, Coleske said.
“The Volgrond variant is believed to have been specially struck for selected members of parliament and prominent figures of the time. With a supposed mintage of only 80 coins — and only about 20 specimens believed to exist today — it has achieved almost mythical status among collectors,” said Coleske.
The Volgrond variant of the 1 cent coin from 1961 which originally belonged to Verwoerd. (Photo: Bassani Auctioneer)
“Its rarity fueled decades of searches, with enthusiasts sifting through millions of common 1961 1 cent coins in hopes of finding this variant.
“What makes this particular example even more peculiar is its extraordinary provenance. Accompanied by an official South African Mint letter, the coin is confirmed to be the fifth ever minted in 1961, marking the beginning of South Africa’s era as a republic,” explained Coleske.
Even more remarkable is that the coin once belonged to Verwoerd. In numismatics, such provenances create a unique opportunity and transform an already rare coin into a truly unique historical artefact.
This remarkable piece will be offered at Bassani’s auction on Monday 4 May at 8.30pm.
(Photo: Bassani Auctioneer)
On the same evening, collectors will also have the opportunity to acquire another extraordinary item, namely the seventh 1961 Gold R1 ever minted, a coin personally minted by Verwoerd himself, Coleske added.
A gold R1 coin from 1961, a coin personally minted by Verwoerd. (Photo: Bassani Auctioneer)
“Together, these two coins offer a rare and powerful look at South Africa’s transition to a republic — combining rarity, history and a direct connection to one of the country’s most influential political figures,” explained Coleske.
Monday night’s auction is preceded by the Signature Auction 24 on Sunday 3 May at 19:00.
This auction includes some of South Africa’s most sought-after rarities. Chief among these is the legendary 1898 Sammy Marks Tickey (AU50), of which only 215 were struck.
Two coins that have fetched six-figure prices at previous Bassani auctions – the historic 1874 Burgers Pound Fine Beard (XF Details), the first South African coin, with only 695 struck, and the 1902 Veld Pound (AU Details), a wartime issue with just 986 struck – will also feature in the Signature Auction 24.