SA 1969A DONGES R1 SILVER COIN B.UNC REV FROSTED (11)

The President that never was!

In 1967/8 President C.R. Swart, the first President of the Republic of South Africa from 1961 on, retired. Parliament elected Dr. T.E. Donges for President. Before he could be instated he became ill and died. He never became the President. It was at that stage usual to put a State leader of S.A.'s bust on the main coin/s in the year after the death or retirement of that leader. Thus in 1968 the bust of C.R. Swart was on the coins from the 50c down. Thus, after his death, the bust of Dr. T.E. Donges was minted on the Obverse of the Silver Rand, some in Afrikaans and some in English. These Silver Rands were unique in that a unique Reverse was designed for that year only. It can be seen in the picture of the Reverse of the one on auction here.

This particular specimen is also part of a small group where the Reverse was struck using a Frosted Die which were usually reserved for Proof coins only. The Obv is normal on this one as can be seen. Unfortunately the Frosting on the Reverse is not clear on the photo, but in the hand one can see it immediately.

On the edge to the right of the "R" the burr so often seen on Uncirculated coins is clearly visible. The burr is usually the first to wear off when a Silver coin is pushed over a counter.

I've put the catalogue price of R75 as market value for an ordinary coin in Unc condition. You determine the real value of this coin. Thanks for looking and happy bidding!