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Hoard of 19th Century Gold Discovered in Europe
Stashed away in Europe, kept in an original mint bag, were gleaming gold coins from the South African Mint. But these coins were not Krugerrands. These were the 19th century coins known as Ponds and Half Ponds—the Grandfather of the Krugerrand.

At first glance, you may not notice the difference. The obverse features the same profile of President Paul Kruger. But then you would spot the 19th century date, and realize that the coin in your hand has a very different story to tell…

The South African Pond—A Coin of Revolution
Struck for just eight years from 1892 to 1900, the Gold Pond helped fuel the South African economy during a time when it was fighting against British control of the region. Struck with the image of the current president, Paul Kruger, as well as the nation’s crest, they were a sign of rebellion against the British and a desire for South African independence—a platform that Kruger used to gain re-election several times before he exiled himself to Europe in 1900 following the Second Boer War.

 

The History of The Lost Hoard
To find a hoard of Gold Pond and Half Pond coins is no small discovery. Most of the coins from this era of South Africa’s history were destroyed during their Revolutionary War. But at some point—possibly during Kruger’s presidency—the original mint bag of South African gold was stored in the Netherlands before being moved again to Switzerland for safekeeping prior to the Second World War, perhaps to keep it out of Nazi hands. It remained in a Swiss vault for decades until it was recently sold at a private auction and found its way back to the SA Mint thanks to former Managing Director Tumi Tsehlo.

But where did these coins come from? We can never be sure, but we can make some educated guesses.

One possibility is that these coins were amassed and taken or sent by a South African individual who wanted to get out before the British occupation. As the Dutch had a significant presence in the South African region during this period, it wouldn’t be surprising for these coins to turn up in the Netherlands. Another possibility is that the coins were not taken out in a lump sum, but were received over time by banks or other institutions in the Netherlands before being assembled into a single hoard

Whatever its origins, the discovery of this hoard is nothing short of magnificent. Which is why NGC and the South African Mint have honored it by certifying it as “The Lost Hoard.”

Historic South African Gold, New and Old
Available here for the very first time, you can secure a two-coin set that includes one historic South African Gold Pond and a special Gold Krugerrand Proof bearing a limited-edition “The Lost Hoard” privy mark.

This release includes two Ponds that are considered better-date pieces:
1895 Half Pond: Struck with a mintage of 336,000, this coin is not the smallest mintage of the series but is considered a better-date piece in lightly circulated to Mint State condition, as most of these coins have been either destroyed or heavily worn over the years.

1898 Gold Pond: The second-lowest mintage of the 1 Pond series with just 137,000 coins struck. This date is also unique in the series in that dies from 1898 were used again the following year to strike coins, resulting in the famous 1898/9 (single) and 1898/99 (double nine) overstrike varieties.

Paired with each Gold Half Pond will be a special limited-edition Tenth-Ounce Gold Krugerrand Proof. The Gold 1 Pond comes paired with a Quarter-Ounce Gold Krugerrand Proof. Each of these coins will feature a privy mark commemorating “The Lost Hoard” on the reverse above the image of the Springbok antelope. Both of these coins are only available as part of this special release, making them the lowest-mintage Quarter-Ounce and Tenth-Ounce Gold Krugerrand Proofs ever struck by the South African Mint!

Hand-Signed Labels
Each Gold Pond and Half Pond has been individually certified, graded and encapsulated by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), one of the world’s leading third-party grading services. Each Pond label will designate the coin as coming from The Lost Hoard, as endorsed by the South African Mint, and feature the hand-written signature of Tumi Tsehlo, former Managing Director of the South African Mint and the architect who helped secure this amazing hoard. Each Krugerrand has been secured in a clear, round numismatic capsule.

Limited Availability

While The Lost Hoard consists of more than 900 coins, only a limited number of 1895 Gold Half Pond and 1898 1 Pond coins have been selected for this special offer and paired with limited-edition Quarter-Ounce and Tenth-Ounce Gold Krugerrand Proofs bearing the special “The Lost Hoard” privy marks. Don’t miss this chance to add the Grandfather of the Krugerrand to your collection!

1898 South Africa Gold 1 Pond w/Quarter-Ounce Gold Krugerrand Proof

  • Historic 1898 South African Gold Pond
  • Classic Kruger Obverse
  • 99 Grams of 91.67% (22 karat) Gold
  • Extremely Fine (XF) to Mint State-64 (MS64) Condition
  • 22 mm Diameter
  • Certified by NGC
  • “The Lost Hoard” Label
  • Signature of Former SA Mint Managing Director Tumi Tsehlo
  • Paired with Quarter-Ounce Gold Krugerrand Proof
  • Deluxe Display Case, Mint Certificate and Replica Mint Bag
  • The Lost Hoard Story Booklet
  • Limited Availability
Image for representation only. Your One Pond coin will vary depending on your specific purchase.

1895 South Africa Gold Half Pond w/Tenth-Ounce Gold Krugerrand Proof

  • Historic 1898 South African Gold Pond
  • Classic Kruger Obverse
  • 99 Grams of 91.67% (22 karat) Gold
  • Extremely Fine (XF) to Mint State-64 (MS64) Condition
  • 19.4 mm Diameter
  • Certified by NGC
  • “The Lost Hoard” Label
  • Signature of Former SA Mint Managing Director Tumi Tsehlo
  • Paired with Tenth-Ounce Gold Krugerrand Proof
  • Deluxe Display Case, Mint Certificate and Replica Mint Bag
  • The Lost Hoard Story Booklet
  • Limited Availability
Image for representation only. Your 1/2 Pond coin will vary depending on your specific purchase.

The South African Gold Pond represents an important moment in world history—the decade leading up to the 20th century, when the British fought for control over the South African region. It displays the face of the man who would eventually flee the country, never to return—though his image would once again grace the nation’s gold coinage with the striking of the Gold Krugerrand in 1967. Found in an original mint bag after spending decades in a Swiss vault, these historic coins—paired with the special limited-edition Gold Krugerrand Proofs—are a collector’s item no Krugerrand or world coin collector should be without. Don’t wait for The Lost Hoard to become lost once more in other collections. Secure your Gold Ponds and Half Ponds now!

Call 888-870-6339 now!