MAGNIFICENT: Cape Coin Heritage Proof Set

Thirty years ago in 1978, the Africana Commemorative Mint issued a set of 30 Gold Plated Sterling Silver Coins in a yellow wood and stinkwood presentation case. The collection was called “Our Cape Coin Heritage” commemorating the coins that circulated in the Cape of Good Hope from the early 1600s to the early 1800s.

The issue was limited world wide to 5000 sets. The issue price in 1978 was R870 (which converts to just over R15 000.00 today). The well know International coin firm of Downies, has one set currently for sale at R12 000.00.

Each of the thirty Sterling Silver coins weighs a massive 37.3 grams and is 45.0 mm in diameter (much larger and heavier than a Silver Crown or Full Kruger Rand). This converts to over one kilogram of pure silver for the collection. The coins were minted in brilliant proof condition.

The Cape of Good Hope was in the old days known as “the Tavern of the Seas” as it welcomed many seafaring nations from around the world. This was evident in the multitude of foreign coins that was accepted and circulated at the Cape from the time of van Riebeeck.

The collection consists of five sub-collections being The Dutch Collection (6 coins dated from 1672 to 1809), The British Collection (6 coins dated from 1662 to 1818), The Seaborne Empires (6 coins dated from 1600 to 1834), The Dollar Dynasties (6 coins dated from 1691 to 1803) and Tavern of the Seas (6 coins dated 1709 to 1814).

Taking into account that the price of silver is currently at a 27 year old high, its beautiful proof condition and the original limited issue number, I would value this fabulous “Our Cape Coin Heritage” collection at between R12 000.00 and R15 000.00.The winning bidder will pay no Postage costs. Serious bidders only please.

.