This is my most recent acquisition this weekend: A 1975 Rhodesian Republic 5-Cent Proof Coin. Total mintage: 10 pieces. That is not a typo. Only TEN specimens minted. Mine was graded and authenticated by PCGS as PR67CAM. It is the only specimen graded by PCGS to date. I stumbled upon it with a dealer in London, UK and jumped at the opportunity to own a coin of such exceptional rarity. This is, hands down, the rarest coin I’ve ever owned in 48 years of collecting, and it has inspired me to begin working on a set of coins of Rhodesia from the UDI years of 1965-1980. I must confess that I had no idea Rhodesia had minted such rarities. This is what I love about collecting world coins. One can actually afford to acquire coins of exceptional quality, rarity, and historical interest without having to be a multimillionaire numismatic “whale” to purchase them. The coin was not cheap. It is the most expensive coin I’ve ever purchased, but it also did not break the bank, costing me about a week’s pay. Prior to this acquisition the rarest coin I ever owned was a proof silver Britannia that had a mintage of about 2,500, but man.........this is so much more satisfying to own a coin that only 9 other collectors on the entire planet can say they also own. Anyway, I would be interested to hear from any other collectors of Rhodesian coins. I am trying to locate good reference works and I’m curious to know how deep the collector base is for these coins. I’m also interested in learning which dealers are particularly good to work with to obtain other high grade specimens of Rhodesian coins from.
Yeah, I reckon Sovereign Rarities won’t pull the listing until they find my order in their queue on Monday morning. Can’t wait to get this piece in the mail.
It’s going to be a rather strange feeling to hold a coin in hand that has fewer existing specimens than the 1804 Silver Dollar. That’s the real fun factor in this acquisition for me.
I am glad for your happiness and aquisition, most certainly. I will say that I have seen many of these proof 1975 coins for sale in the last 20 or so years. I am wondering if the mintage is only 10 as reported. The reason that I have paid attention is because I do collect British Commonwealth to some degree, and so have been on watch.
I just purchased a 1975 Rhodesia 5 Cents, NGC Proof 68 Ul;tra Cameo, Incredible, Zimbabwe, Southern on ebay and am awaiting its delivery. Your posting inspired me to buy it.
Yes, I like this coin as well. The interesting thing is that it must be the other eight specimens that make the rounds because for many years they were seen in DNW auctions and also Baldwins, etc. I had wondered if perhaps a few more were struck at some junction.
Nice pick up. I just purchased my rarest numismatic item, a medal from Romania with a mintage of 125.
I do like Rhodesian coinage, especially the colonial era stuff. The 1966 5 pound gold proof is something to behold.
Hi Quintuple, I would enjoy seeing a pic of the 1966 5£ gold coin you mentioned. If it isn't too much trouble. J.T.
This appears to be a 2nd portrait of the queen that is brilliant (not frosted) Did all the other 5 pound coins have the sand blasted devices?
I have seen a number of these, and have the smaller 1/2 pound and this is what the proofs look like. The "currency" uncirculated have a bit more of satin finish.
