Rare coins and gold worth millions to go under the hammer at Bassani's Auction

A global audience of more than 2,500, many of them eager bidders, is expected to join two major online auction sessions hosted today by Bassani’s Auction House, the powerhouse of South African numismatics.

Banknotes, rare coins, and investment-grade gold worth between R8 million and R10 million are set to go under the hammer, drawing interest from collectors and investors across five continents, according to Landon Coleske, senior numismatic expert and historian at Bassani’s Auction House, who says the surge in global gold prices has intensified demand.

“Gold has long been a symbol of wealth and stability, and with global prices continuing to surge, investors and collectors alike are turning to Bassani’s for opportunities to ‘strike gold,” says Coleske.

“We expect a global audience of between 2,000 and 3,000 online at these auctions on Sunday, and from all five continents, with bidders from the United Kingdom and the United States particularly prevalent. But 90% of the participants in the auction are from South Africa,” he adds.

Coleske says the local appetite for gold has grown sharply, driven by dramatic price increases. “One of the main reasons for this enormous local interest is the dramatic increase in the price of gold, which was trading at R29 000 per ounce in 2022 and last week reached a high of R75 000 per ounce, but is now trading at R68 000 per ounce,” says Coleske.

He also notes a demographic shift in participation. “There has been a steady growth in the number of younger South Africans signing up for the Bassani-app during 2025, especially people who see the value in buying gold coins but do not have to pay capital gains tax on it,” says Coleske.

According to Coleske, the evening kicks off at 19:00 with Signature Auction 19, Bassani’s flagship monthly sale, showcasing 75 of South Africa’s rarest and most desirable coins and banknotes. This curated selection spans the country’s monetary history, from Boer War relics to modern-day treasures.

Among the standout lots are the 1902 Veldponds (Slash and No Slash Types), listed as Lot 16 and 17. Struck under extraordinary conditions during the final months of the Anglo-Boer War, these coins are symbols of resilience and independence. In high-grade condition, they fetch prices exceeding R500 000, Coleske says.

Lot 24 features the 1874 Burgerspond Fine Beard (AU50), the first ZAR gold coin minted under President Thomas François Burgers. This near-Uncirculated specimen is estimated at R250 000 and offers collectors a chance to own a cornerstone of South African numismatic heritage, he says.

Lot 72, the 1967 1oz Proof Krugerrand (First Year Issue), is expected to spark strong interest. As the birth of the world’s most famous bullion coin, early proof strikes like this often command premiums of over 50% above intrinsic gold value, reflecting both rarity and prestige, he says.

Lots 73 and 74 present the 1898 Sammy Marks Tickeys in Cufflinks, part of South Africa’s Big Five coins. These miniature masterpieces blend industrial history, rarity, and charm, and are among the most storied issues in the country’s coinage legacy.

Coleske says Session two, Gold Rush 2, begins at 20:30 and follows immediately after the Signature Auction. This second edition, building on the success of the first Gold Rush sale,  features 37 lots, all in gold. From 1/10oz Krugerrands to 1.85oz proof prestige sets, the session offers a collector’s dream for those seeking tangible, appreciating assets. All coins are classified as collectable and proof gold, making them exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT), a compelling incentive for investors looking to combine financial growth with historical value.

“It is a golden era for collectors, as the demand for rare and precious metal coins in South Africa has never been stronger. As inflation rises and global uncertainty persists, gold continues to prove its place as a stable and appreciating investment,” says Dillon Bassani, founder of Bassani’s Auction House.

“The surge in interest mirrors a shift in mindset: people are no longer just collecting, they are investing in history.”

“We’ve seen a record increase in bidders and sales this year,” Bassani says. “Gold remains timeless, and auctions like these show that South Africans are not only preserving heritage but also securing their wealth.”

Coleske says Bassani’s has also announced a special incentive for sellers: anyone submitting items before 10 December will benefit from a 0% seller’s commission, making it an opportune moment to enter the market.

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