South Africa’s First Gold Coin: The Burgers Pond

In the history of South Africa, one of the most interesting stories is about the first gold coins minted in the country, known as the Burgers Pond. Before 1874, South Africa only used British currency. However, this changed when President Thomas François Burgers introduced a new form of currency. In this article, we will explore the background of the Burgers Pond, the man behind it, and its significance in South African history.

A Shift in Currency: The Need for Local Coins

Up until the mid-19th century, South Africa relied on British coins for trade and transactions. This was not ideal for many people living in the country. In 1874, two local currencies emerged to address this issue. One of these was trade tokens from a store called Strachan and Company in East Griqualand. These tokens quickly became popular along South Africa’s east coast and were used as a form of currency for over fifty years.

Key Facts About the Burgers Pond

Feature	Details
Year Minted	1874
Total Coins Minted	837
Types of Coins	Fine Beard, Coarse Beard
Weight of Gold Used	300 ounces
Designer	Thomas François Burgers
Mint Location	Heaton’s Mint, Birmingham, England
Significance	First gold coins minted in South Africa
Circulation Status	Never circulated; kept as keepsakes

Timeline of Events Related to the Burgers Pond

Year	Event
1853	Petition for indigenous coinage begins in South Africa.
1872	Thomas François Burgers elected as president.
1874	Burgers purchases gold and commissions the minting of coins.
July 1874	First batch of 695 coins minted (Fine Beard variety).
Sept 1874	Second batch of 142 coins minted (Coarse Beard variety).
1875	Coins presented to Volksraad but criticized; no further coins minted.

Who Was Thomas François Burgers?

Thomas François Burgers served as the fourth president of the South African Republic from 1872 to 1877. He was a well-educated man who studied theology in the Netherlands. Upon returning to South Africa, he worked as a priest. However, his liberal views clashed with the Dutch Reformed Church, leading to his suspension in 1864. Despite this setback, he was well-liked by the people and was elected president in 1872 by a significant margin.

The Birth of the Burgers Pond

Burgers is primarily remembered for minting South Africa’s first gold coins. The idea for local coinage began as early as 1853, with many people requesting it. In 1874, Burgers took a significant step by purchasing 300 ounces of gold. He sent this gold to J.J. Pratt, the Republic’s Consul-General in London, asking for coins that were the same size as the British pound. He also included a portrait of himself and a sketch of the republic’s coat of arms for the design.

Pratt then commissioned Heaton’s Mint in Birmingham to create the coins. The first batch of 695 coins was produced in July 1874, known as the “fine beard” variety. A second batch of 142 coins was minted in September of the same year, called the “coarse beard” variety. The difference between these two types was due to the original die breaking, requiring a new one that made the president’s beard appear thicker and coarser.

Controversy Surrounding the Coins

When Burgers presented the coins to the Volksraad, the parliament of the South African Republic, they were not pleased. Many members criticized him for using public funds to produce coins with his own image, viewing it as a sign of vanity and egotism. Due to this backlash, no further coins were minted, and the Burgers Pond never entered general circulation. Instead, these rare coins were kept as keepsakes by members of the Volksraad, with some even turned into jewelry or ornaments.

Legacy of the Burgers Pond

Despite the initial controversy, the Burgers Pond remains an important piece of South African history. It symbolizes a shift towards local currency and reflects the complex political landscape of the time. Today, these coins are highly sought after by collectors and hold great historical value. The Burgers Pond serves as a reminder of President Burgers’ efforts to establish a unique South African identity and currency.

In conclusion, the Burgers Pond represents more than just a gold coin; it signifies the struggle for independence and self-identity in South Africa. The story of Thomas François Burgers and his failed attempt to introduce these coins shows how public perception can shape historical events. Even though the Burgers Pond never circulated, its legacy endures as a significant milestone in South Africa’s monetary history.

Conclusion

The story of the Burgers Pond is a fascinating chapter in South African history. Minted under President Thomas François Burgers in 1874, these coins were meant to symbolize a new era of local currency. However, their introduction sparked controversy, leading to their non-circulation. Despite never being used as actual money, the Burgers Pond has become a significant historical artifact, reflecting the desire for a unique South African identity. Today, these rare coins are cherished by collectors, representing not only the monetary aspirations of the time but also the complex dynamics of politics and public perception. The legacy of the Burgers Pond reminds us that currency can carry deeper meanings beyond its economic value, serving as a symbol of a nation’s journey toward self-determination and recognition.

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