Latest news with #Bassani
IOL News
23-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Discover the 1952 One Hundred Pound banknote: a collector's dream at rare auction
In a landscape where each fragment of history tells a story, few items evoke as much fascination and allure as the 1952 One Hundred Pound banknote. Celebrated by collectors as the 'holy grail' of paper money, this monumental note is not just an echo of South Africa's economic past; it represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those who seek to own a piece of numismatic history. Its appearance at Bassani's Signature Auction 16 on 27 July is poised to create waves among investors and heritage enthusiasts alike. With the auction commencing at 19:00 on Sunday, 27 July, excitement surrounding this sale has reached an international crescendo. Bassani's is set to showcase some of the rarest and most historically significant collectibles ever seen on South African soil, thus cementing its status as a frontline player in the numismatics market. 'The South African numismatics market is exploding,' states Landon Coleske, a historian and numismatist at Bassani's. 'Collectors from across the globe are now showing interest in items we once considered local history. It's a privilege to share these stories and to witness record prices auction after auction.' Regarded as the quintessential note, the £100 banknote boasts the highest denominational value ever issued for South Africa. Initially limited to just 15,000 examples, the rarity of the note is hard to overstate. Coleske estimates that fewer than a thousand are still in existence today, many in poor condition, marred by folds and tears. 'The note at the Bassani auction is in pristine condition,' he asserts, noting that well-preserved copies typically fetch between R50,000 and R70,000. While the 1952 £100 banknote takes centre stage, it is but one jewel among many in this exceptional auction. Other notable items include: 1874 Burgerspond Fine Beard (AU55) : One of only 695 ever minted, this is the first official coin of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR), renowned for its 'fine beard' portrait of President T.F. Burgers. : One of only 695 ever minted, this is the first official coin of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR), renowned for its 'fine beard' portrait of President T.F. Burgers. 1961 M.H. de Kock Z/1 R1 Replacement Banknote : With only 30,000 printed during a pivotal year for South Africa, this banknote is particularly sought-after, especially in good condition. : With only 30,000 printed during a pivotal year for South Africa, this banknote is particularly sought-after, especially in good condition. 1921 One Pound Note – Signed by W.H. Clegg : Marking the first year of issue for South African banknotes, this piece bears the signature of the nation's first Reserve Bank Governor. : Marking the first year of issue for South African banknotes, this piece bears the signature of the nation's first Reserve Bank Governor. 1931 10 Shillings Note – 'Cancelled' Overprint : Featuring a bold 'Cancelled' stamp, this unique transitional issue offers a fascinating insight into early note circulation. : Featuring a bold 'Cancelled' stamp, this unique transitional issue offers a fascinating insight into early note circulation. Interconnected South African 2c Error Coins : A remarkable minting mistake, these are the first known pair of local Error Coins struck to fit together physically. : A remarkable minting mistake, these are the first known pair of local Error Coins struck to fit together physically. 2003 South African 20c Error – Struck on a Swaziland 5c Blank: This highly unusual mint error is the first of its kind ever to appear in a South African auction. Both the banknotes and coins available at the auction possess immense historical value, their preservation reflecting an era when South Africa transitioned from the Union to a republic. 'Our auctions are no longer just for seasoned collectors,' notes Dilion Bassani, CEO of Bassani's auction house. 'We're seeing students, young professionals, and first-time bidders get involved. There's something deeply emotional about owning a piece of South Africa's history.' With a burgeoning loyal bidder base, record-breaking sales, and a fast, secure digital auction platform, Bassani's has entrenched itself as a reliable household name in the collectibles world. This July, every auction represents a new chance to invest not just in currency, but in culture, value, and legacy.
IOL News
23-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Rare ancient Chinese coins and modern Krugerrands to be auctioned in South Africa
A curated selection of ancient Chinese coins, including a rare bronze piece dating back to 475 BC will come up for auction Image: Bassani-auction House In a historic showcase of numismatic treasures, a curated selection of ancient Chinese coins alongside modern rarities, including the coveted 1992 1oz Gold Krugerrand will come up for auction. This auction is poised to capture the imagination of collectors and history enthusiasts alike as it ventures into a global sphere of numismatics rarely seen in South Africa. Among the standout pieces is a rare bronze coin dating back to 475 BC, which provides a tangible connection to the ancient dynasties that ruled long before the emergence of the Roman Empire and centuries prior to the establishment of Afrikaans or contemporary South Africa. The inclusion of such artefacts marks a bold leap for Bassani into unchartered territory within the world of coin collecting. The auction's modern highlight—the 1992 1oz Gold Krugerrand—continues to ignite fervour among serious investors, with fewer than 3,000 examples known to exist. This particular year has become a cornerstone in Krugerrand portfolios due to its low mintage and escalating global demand. Regularly trading for well over R90,000, it has firmly established itself as a must-have collectible and investment piece. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The legendary 1874 Burgers Pond (Coarse Beard, AU55) headlines the ZAR collection. Image: Bassani-auction House This landmark auction follows the overwhelming success of the Afrikaans is 100 gold coin earlier this year, which celebrated a century of the Afrikaans language. Sold in partnership with Afrimunt and iTickets, all 30 one-ounce coins, priced at R124,000 each, vanished within minutes, with coin number one later selling for a staggering R358,000 at auction. As Signature Auction 15 approaches, it promises to carry the momentum forward, offering collectors a unique opportunity to procure pieces that span various empires, cultures, and ideologies. According to Bassani's Head Numismatist, Landon Coleske, 'This auction is more than a sale — it's a museum moment. From the gold of the Boer republic to the bronze of early Chinese dynasties, these coins are echoes of empire, resistance, and nationhood.' The auction will notably celebrate South Africa's rich numismatic heritage, showcasing the legendary 1874 Burgers Pond (Coarse Beard, AU55), which headlines the ZAR collection. This historic coin, a symbol of South Africa's birthright, features the portrait of then-leader Thomas François Burgers. With only 142 coins ever struck, this particular AU55 graded example is anticipated to fetch between R500,000 and R700,000. Equally captivating is the 1898 ZAR Pond 'Stamped 99' (AU55), a dramatic relic from the Anglo-Boer War, with just 130 minted. This piece represents the final plight of the Zuid-Afrikaanse Republiek before British conquest and carries its own legacy of defiance and survival, especially in light of the famed Single 9 Pond's recent sale for over R41 million. Also on offer is the 1898 ZAR Pond 'Stamped 99' (AU55), an Anglo-Boer War relic steeped in drama and scarcity. Image: Bassani-auction House Signature Auction 15 features a total of 73 lots, including: Zuid-Afrikaanse Republiek coinage Rare Krugerrands and low-mintage pattern coins Museum-quality banknotes, including a pristine T.W. de Jongh R5 specimen Ancient and world coins with remarkable examples from early China and the classical world As passionate collectors and history aficionados prepare for this exceptional event, the excitement surrounding the Bassani auction serves as a poignant reminder of the stories and legacies encapsulated within every piece of currency. Whether a seasoned numismatist or a curious newcomer, this auction invites all to witness a true celebration of heritage and history in the world of coins. Collectors, investors, historians and connoisseurs are invited to register early and review the online catalogue. Bidding is available via Bassani Live, telephone, and pre-auction submission. Museum-quality banknotes, including a pristine T.W. de Jongh R5 specimen will also be on offer Image: Bassani-auction
IOL News
03-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Afrimunt launches limited-edition Afrikaans is 100 commemorative coin collection
Afrimunt released a commerative coin to celebrate a century of the official recognition of Afrikaans as a language. The above picture is a collection of old South African coins. In a dazzling celebration of South African culture and heritage, Afrimunt has unveiled its highly anticipated limited-edition Afrikaans is 100 commemorative coin collection, achieving unprecedented sales figures for privately minted coins in the country. The event showcased the remarkable craftsmanship behind these coins and saw the gold 1 oz. coin being sold for a staggering R358 000, a price that reflects its high demand and symbolic significance. The silver 1 oz. coin also made waves with a final sale price of R53 200, while the bronze 1 oz. coin closed at R30 200 — marking the highest prices ever recorded for private gold, silver, and bronze coins in South Africa. Launched in collaboration with Bassani's auction house and ITickets, the Afrikaans is 100 commemorative coin commemorates a century of the Afrikaans languag, which was officially recognised on 8th May 1925. The initial batch of 30 limited-edition gold coins was released for direct purchase at R124,000 each, and they were eagerly snapped up within mere minutes, signifying the profound connection and pride South Africans hold for their language and culture. With only 70 gold coins remaining and the next exclusive release set for Cape Town, the anticipation among collectors and investors is palpable. "This isn't just a coin – it's a living tribute to a century of Afrikaans culture," declared Albertus Potgieter, spokesperson for Afrimunt, highlighting the emotional resonance that these coins carry beyond their monetary value. The event reached a defining moment when it was announced that Coin No. 47 is destined for President Donald J. Trump, instantly elevating not only the coin's prestige but also its global relevance. Dillion Bassani, founder and CEO of Bassani Auction House, expressed astonishment at the overwhelming interest from buyers. "The response exceeded our wildest expectations," he said. "This is much more than just a coin – it represents the resilience of Afrikaans and the people who have lived it for a century." He also added that each coin is individually numbered and packaged in a protective capsule, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a detailed history booklet. Landon Coleske, historian and project manager of the commemorative coin at Bassani, emphasized the significance of Afrikaans, stating, "Afrikaans is the third most widely spoken language by South Africans – with more than seven million speakers." He believes that this explains the overwhelmingly positive reaction to the coin, describing it as a symbol of pride for Afrikaners and all South Africans. With an event that combined artistry, culture, and an impressive debut in the realm of collecting, Afrimunt's Afrikaans is 100 commemorative coin collection is poised to remain a notable piece of South African history, capturing the hearts of both collectors and the broader public.
