History/Background Information: Widely believed to be the first coinage struck for circulation in South Africa (in the Cape Colony), the fractional Guilder occupy an important part of South African numismatic history. Minted in Holland at the request of the Cape Governor Jacob Abraham de Mist to alleviate a shortage of small coinage at the Cape and fondly known as the Scheepsgulden (Ship's Gulden) owing to its beautiful obverse design. CL Engelbrecht states in his "Money in South Africa" that the fractions i.e 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 and 1/16th issues of 1802 were struck for circulation at the Cape Colony. For further reading and the sake of brevity, kindly refer to the aforementioned publication pages 25-27.

Certification: NGC MS66 (Gem Unc)

Condition Notes: An elite level gem example of this rare piece exhibiting radiating lustre and light golden toning. Immense detailing with a bold strike. The obverse design most beautiful with the famous East Indiaman in full sail. Circle around ship variety. Very rare in MS.
 
Mintage: Unknown

Reference: Standard Catalog of World Coins (Krause) - KM#80