Top 7 Rare African Coins with Exceptional Investment Potential

July. 16,2025

Discover the top seven rare African coins known for their historical value and high investment returns. From colonial-era currencies to unique commemorative pieces, this guide highlights coin features, current values, and tips for collectors and traders. Whether you're a seasoned numismatist or a novice investor, these rare coins present excellent opportunities for profitable trading. Learn how to build a valuable collection, network at auctions, and maximize your earnings with strategic trades in the African coins market.

Top 7 Rare African Coins with Exceptional Investment Potential

Top 7 Rare African Coins with Exceptional Investment Potential

Coin collecting is a popular hobby appealing to many due to their artistic designs and rich cultural significance. When properly traded, these vintage African coins can yield substantial profits. They reflect the continent’s historic layers and cultural diversity, making them highly sought after by collectors and investors alike. Trading these coins—either online or offline—can be a lucrative venture, especially when focusing on rare pieces with high value.

Notable African coins with impressive returns

1. German East Africa Bronze Pesa, 1890
This coin symbolizes the era of German East Africa in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Top 7 Rare African Coins
Showcasing a crowned eagle on the front and an inscription of 'German Partnership' on the back, encircled by a leaf wreath, this coin dates back to the German colonial period from the 1880s through WWI.
2. East Africa 10 Cent Coin, 1941
This coin, valued at about $9, was minted during WWII when East Africa was under Italian rule, then later conquered by British forces. It features King George VI and the British crown, commemorating this historic military victory.
3. Tunisia ½ Dinar Coin, 1968
This silver coin, valued at approximately $65.91 today, bears the portrait of Habib Bourguiba, Tunisia’s first president. The obverse displays his image along with his titles, while the reverse shows inscriptions from the Central Bank of Tunisia.
4. Nigerian 1959 Shilling
Pre-independence Nigerian shillings, like this copper-nickel coin, showcase Queen Elizabeth II’s profile. Such coins, from the year just before Nigeria’s independence, are valued at around $7.50 and hold significant value for collectors.
5. Algerian Silver ¼ Budju, 1829
This coin features Ottoman ruler Mahmud II, marking Algeria’s period of Ottoman control from 1516 to 1830. Made of silver and weighing 2.59 grams, it’s valued at roughly $65.91 today.
6. 1898 British 'Single 9' Pond
Among the world’s most expensive coins, this piece sold for $4 million in 2010. It originated during the South African conflicts when Boer leaders altered the minting year to 1898 as a covert act, making it exceptionally rare.
7. Moroccan Hassan II 50 Dirhams, 1975
This commemorative coin, valued at about $87.90, features King Hassan II’s profile and a symbolic design of a hand within a compass, issued during the International Women’s Year.
Tips for Trading Rare African Coins
1. Begin with modest acquisitions
Patience and gradual growth are key—start small, research well, and build your collection over time to ensure quality investments.
2. Connect with fellow enthusiasts
Engaging with other numismatists broadens your network, helping you discover rare coins, learn their history, and secure them at the best prices through exhibitions and auctions.
3. Participate in coin fairs and sales
Attending specialized events can lead to prime deals on African rare coins. Confirm beforehand that such coins will be auctioned or displayed.
4. Focus on profitability
While coin collecting is enjoyable, its investment aspect is lucrative—keenly analyze the market, identify rare coins, and trade wisely to maximize gains.