Watch List notes:

SOUTH AFRICA. Gold Off-Metal Presentation 3 Pence (Tickey), 1898. Pretoria Mint. PCGS SPECIMEN-63.
KM-PnA23; Hern-ZP5. Mintage: 215. Presenting a great frosted nature that seemingly allows Kruger's bust to radiate and float off from the planchet, this EXTREMEY RARE and highly popular off-metal issue of a 3 Pence in gold stands as an exceptionally Choice offering. Already emanating from a small mintage, this piece has rather splendidly remained without issue and problem-free, making it a tremendous opportunity. With a crisp strike and majestic beauty, it should be a highlight of any advanced collection of ZAR coinage as well as those dedicated to world RARITIES in general.

According to an article published in 1934 by the Numismatic Chronicle, "...The popular legend concerning the well-known gold "tickey" is that in 1898 the late President Kruger gave Mr. Samuel Marks permission to make use of the Official Mint of the Transvaal Republic for one day in recognition of service rendered. Mr. Marks accordingly instructed the officials to strike the most modest silver coin of the realm, but to strike them in gold instead of silver. On the other hand, an official record states that at the request of Mr. Samuel Marks a number of gold threepenny pieces were minted. It further states that this was verbally authorized by the State Secretary, but that such authority was withdrawn shortly after. In the meanwhile, however, the pieces had been minted. It is apparent that such a procedure was irregular, and would not be countenanced in a modern mint. Records of the late Transvaal Mint indicate that 215 of these pieces were produced--their actual weight being approximately 40.3 grs. each of standard gold, and their bullion value at the price of £3 17s. 10-1/2d. per oz. of standard gold is approximately 6s. 6d."

Estimate: $20000 - $40000