South Africa – 1997 – Krugerrand – 30 Years Mintmark – 1/2oz Gold Proof – NGC PF69 UCAM

1997 Krugerrand 1/2oz – the special edition for the 30th anniversary

The Krugerrand celebrated its 30th anniversary in 1997. To mark the occasion, a special proof series was issued with an additional “30” mint mark on the reverse.

The stylized anniversary symbol is located to the right of the springbok above the year 97 and clearly distinguishes this rare issue from the regular Krugerrand Proof of the same year.

Only 330 copies minted

Only 330 coins were minted of the 1/2 oz Krugerrand 30th Anniversary Proof issue . For comparison, 2,030 coins were minted of the regular 1/2 oz Krugerrand Proof coin from 1997.

Thus, the anniversary edition has only a fraction of the mintage of the regular proof and is one of the extremely rare modern special editions of the Krugerrand series.

Especially for a coin series like the Krugerrand, which is widely collected internationally, a mintage of only 330 copies is exceptionally low.

The first privy mark of the Krugerrand

The “30” mint mark holds special significance in the history of the Krugerrand. The 1997 anniversary issue was the first Krugerrand issue to feature a privy mark .

This marks the beginning of a later series of special Krugerrand issues with additional privy marks and mint marks.

NGC PF69 Ultra Cameo

The specimen offered here has been graded PF69 Ultra Cameo by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) .

PF69 stands for a near-perfect proof coin. The additional designation Ultra Cameo confirms the pronounced contrast between the mirrored fields and the matte motifs.

NGC Certification Number: 2650963-003

Classic Krugerrand design with the “30” mint mark

The front side shows the well-known portrait of Paul Kruger with the inscription “SUID-AFRIKA – SOUTH AFRICA”.

The reverse features the springbok designed by Coert Steynberg . To the right of the motif, this anniversary edition bears the stylized “30” mint mark commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Krugerrand.

The coin is made of 22-karat gold with a fineness of 916.7/1000 and contains 1/2 troy ounce of gold .

Details

• Country: South Africa
• Year: 1997
• Coin: Krugerrand
• Issue: 30 Years of the Krugerrand
• Denomination: 1/2 oz
• Metal: Gold
• Fineness: 916.7/1000
• Weight: approx. 16.97 g
• Fine gold content: 1/2oz – approx. 15.56 g
• Diameter: approx. 27 mm
• Minting quality: Proof
• Special feature: “30” Mintmark / Privy Mark
• Mintage: 330
• Grading: NGC PF69 Ultra Cameo
• NGC Certificate: 2650963-003

The combination of the extremely low mintage of only 330 pieces , the historically significant 30-year mintmark, and the high-quality certification as NGC PF69 Ultra Cameo makes this 1/2oz gold coin a particularly interesting issue for specialized Krugerrand collectors.