SOUTH AFRICA. Gold Off-Metal Presentation 3 Pence (Tickey), 1898. Pretoria Mint. NGC AU Details--Removed from Jewelry. KM-PnA23; Hern-ZP5. Mintage: 215. Struck in gold instead of the denominations normal silver composition with no other Threepence struck during 1898, making it not only a desirable off-metal striking, but also an EXTREMELY RARE date for Z.A.R period South African coinage. Like many of those that still exist today, this example shows evidence of past usage as jewelry, with surfaces that are now unusually brightened from having been polished. Despite this shortcoming, virtually all of the detail remains, which should more than satisfy the collector who has dreamed of owning an example of this storied type.emAccording to an article published in 1934 by /emThe Numismatic Chronicle and Journal of the Royal Numismatic Society, em"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 services 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 It further states that this was verbally authorized by the State Secretary, but that such authority was withdrawn shortly after.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 meantime, however, the pieces had been minted./ememIt 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." /em
