2016-04-11 Mon

Sammy Marks was the one who was responsible for securing financing for a railroad and other such business endeavours in South Africa. As a mark of respect special coins were minted featuring him.

Marks struck 215 gold examples of the 1898 tickey, a threepence that was normally struck in silver. These pieces were presented to Marks’ relatives, friends and many others They were possibly made of gold from the Sheba Mine in which Marks had an interest.

Although not legal tender, numismatists regard the pieces as part of the South African series.

An example of this rarity was sold on March 21st for £22,800 in Dix Noonan Webb’s auction in London.