Rhodesia – History, currency and the significance of its coins in the collectors’ market

ByDirk Wasserthal
Gold coins from Rhodesia from 1966 bearing the national coat of arms and various denominations, including Five Pounds, One Pound and Ten Shillings, presented in certified holders and on documents.

Rhodesia – History, currency and the significance of its coins in the collectors’ market

Rhodesia was a historical state in southern Africa, situated between South Africa, Botswana (formerly Bechuanaland), Zambia, and Mozambique. The name derives from Cecil Rhodes and was coined by European settlers from the 1890s onward. Political developments, currency reforms, and the period of the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) are still reflected in the country’s coinage today – a field of particular interest to numismatists.

Monetary history and coinage before decimalization

Following the dissolution of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, Rhodesia introduced its own currency. Several denominations were minted for the Reserve Bank of Rhodesia in 1964 at the South African Mint in Pretoria, including:

  • Sixpence – Flame Lily

  • Schilling – Coat of arms of Rhodesia

  • Gulden – Zimbabwe bird

  • Half Crown – Sable Antelope

Two numismatic features are noteworthy:

  1. Rhodesia was one of the first countries to use the Machin portrait of Queen Elizabeth II before decimalization.

  2. The coins bore dual denominations (5c, 10c, 20c, 25c) to prepare for the transition to the later decimal currency.

The design of the reverse sides was done by Tommy Sasseen , who also designed the coins of the later Rhodesian dollar.

UDI Coinage – Political Context and Numismatic Relevance

On November 11, 1965, the government under Ian Smith unilaterally declared Rhodesia independent. The highly sought-after UDI commemorative coins of 1966 , minted in Pretoria, date from this period.

  • 10 shillings – sable antelope

  • 1 Pound – Coat of arms with lion and tusk (5,000 pieces)

  • 5 Pounds – Coat of arms of Rhodesia (3,000 pieces)

The coins correspond in weight and fineness to the British sovereign system and were issued individually as well as in sets of three in cases. Due to the small print run and their historical significance, they are considered rare and culturally significant in the collectors’ market.

In 1968 the threepence (“tickey”) followed, which was replaced by the 2.5 cent coin in 1970.

Our Rhodesia highlights in the premium collector segment

  • Rhodesia 1966 – 3-Coin Gold Proof Set – 1 Year of Independence

  • 5 Pounds Rhodesia 1966 – NGC PF63 – Edition of 3,000 pieces

  • 5 Pounds Rhodesia 1966 – ANACS PF62 – Edition of 3,000 pieces

Many of these issues were minted at the South African Mint (SA Mint) – another aspect that makes them attractive to specialized collectors.

In our shop you will find a targeted selection of rare Rhodesia and SA Mint gold coins . Use the filter function to select by vintage, nominal, grading and proof quality.

Conclusion: Rhodesian coins as a historical-numismatic specialty

Coins from Rhodesia connect:

  • colonial and economic historical developments

  • politically influenced special coins (UDI)

  • Small print runs and strong collector demand

This places them in a clearly defined niche segment that appeals primarily to experienced collectors of historical gold and commemorative coins.

If you are interested in specific pieces or would like advice on market scarcity and preservation grades, we look forward to hearing from you.

Rhodesian gold collector coins are among the rarest colonial and post-war issues and appear only very sporadically on the international market. Many issues are now primarily confined to specialized collections and only occasionally resurface. If you are interested in gold coins from Rhodesia, we recommend visiting our shop regularly – we have offered exceptional individual pieces in the past and add new specimens to our selection as soon as they become available.

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