The Tickey Coin: Small Coin, Big Story And A Festive Season Tribute

There’s a certain kind of magic that drifts through South African homes during the festive season, a familiar blend of warm spices, soft nostalgia, and memories that seem to glow a little brighter than at any other time of year. And somewhere in the heart of those memories lies a tiny silver coin that once slipped into Christmas puddings with a wish, a laugh and a promise of good fortune.

Long before gift bags, glossy ornaments and modern Christmas rituals, families gathered in warm kitchens filled with the scent of fruitcake batter, cloves, nutmeg, and brandy, polishing little tickey coins until they shimmered with festive possibility. The child who found the coin in their pudding would beam with pride, believing luck had chosen them. For many, that magical moment, the soft clink of a spoon against hidden silver, is a memory that has never quite faded.

It’s this memory, this beautiful blend of history and holiday tradition, which inspires us to celebrate the tickey coin anew this festive season. Small enough to disappear into a pocket, yet memorable enough to be passed down through generations, the tickey has earned its place as one of the country’s most beloved numismatic keepsakes. With its tiny size, gentle silver glow, and unmistakable presence in our cultural memory, the tickey has a way of capturing the heart quite effortlessly.

As the festive season approaches and memories feel a little more vivid, it seems fitting to celebrate the story of this endearing little coin, the tickey. We explore its origins, its journey through South African history, the surprising value it can hold today and, of course, the cherished Christmas tradition it once inspired. The festive period has always been a time of remembering small symbols that hold significant meaning, and the tickey is undoubtedly one of them.

A Brief History of the South African Tickey

The tickey, a tiny threepence coin, has a history spanning over a century, circulating through British colonial rule, the Union of South Africa, and the early years of the Republic until its retirement with decimalisation in 1961. Originally minted in 92.5% sterling silver, early tickeys were prized for both their beauty and material value, while later coins produced in a 50% silver alloy remained widely used despite a less lustrous finish. Despite being barely larger than a fingernail, the coin carried intricate details, including portraits of three monarchs, King George V, King George VI, and a young Queen Elizabeth II, offering a miniature historical record of South Africa’s changing times.

The tickey’s small size contributed to its scarcity, as many coins were easily lost, slipped from pockets, fell between floorboards, or were melted down, particularly when silver prices rose. One of the rarest examples is the 1931 tickey, minted during the Great Depression when few coins were produced, making it especially sought after by collectors today. Beyond its physical and historical significance, the tickey also left a cultural and linguistic legacy: the name “tickey,” or “itiki” in Xhosa and Zulu, likely derives from Afrikaans, English, or a variation of “threepence,” and continued to be used in everyday speech to refer to small amounts of money long after the coins disappeared.

Why Collectors Still Love Tickey Coins

Despite their size, tickey coins occupy a disproportionately large place in the hearts of collectors and families. Their enduring popularity stems from a blend of rarity, historical significance, emotional attachment and precious metal content. For some collectors, tickeys represent a link to a lost era of craftsmanship, where every coin, no matter how small, carried intricate details. For others, the appeal lies in the silver content and the investment value. But for many South Africans, the love for tickey coins is far more personal.

Scarcity is one of the most compelling reasons behind the tickey’s desirability because so many of them were lost, damaged or melted. Their small size almost guaranteed a shorter lifespan compared to larger coins, and those that did survive often show heavy signs of wear.

Condition plays a significant role in determining a tickey’s value. Coins that have remained untouched by polishing, protected from excessive handling and stored in conditions that prevent tarnish command the highest prices because of their silver composition. Many tickeys naturally tone over time, developing warm shades of blue, gold or grey. Collectors often value this natural toning as evidence of authenticity and age, provided it enhances rather than obscures the coin’s details.

Beyond scarcity and condition, tickey coins carry intrinsic metal value. Even the later 50% silver tickeys possess a small amount of silver worth preserving. But the true value of the tickey often lies not in silver or scarcity, but in sentiment. Many South Africans treasure the tickey because of the memories it holds: a grandmother’s jewellery box, a father’s collection of old coins, a family heirloom passed from one generation to the next. For some, the tickey recalls pockets full of change, or festive seasons when small traditions meant everything. These emotional ties elevate the tickey from a mere coin to a treasured keepsake.

Caring For And Preserving Tickey Coins

Preserving tickey coins properly ensures their value, both sentimental and financial, remains intact for generations. The first and most important rule is to avoid polishing them. Many people over the years attempted to clean old silver coins to restore their shine, not realising that polishing removes the natural surface and diminishes historical value. Collectors prefer the authentic patina that develops over time, as long as it is uniform and not corrosive.

Handling coins with clean, dry hands or cotton gloves helps prevent oils from leaving marks that can turn into long-term discolouration. Proper storage is also essential. Archival-quality coin flips, capsules, or acid-free paper envelopes protect coins from humidity and environmental damage. Ideally, coins should be kept in a cool, dry environment and away from direct sunlight.

For families who treasure tickeys as heirlooms rather than investments, it is often meaningful to store them with a small note or story. A mention of who they belonged to, how they were acquired, or a memory tied to the coin can add emotional richness and preserve family history for future generations.

Why The Tickey Still Matters Today

In the modern world of digital payments and tap-and-go wallets, a tiny silver coin from a century ago may seem insignificant at first glance. Yet the tickey continues to hold a remarkable place in South African culture. It represents childhood stories, festive traditions, family heritage and linguistic quirks that make our country’s history unique. The tickey stands as a reminder that even the smallest objects can shape memories, carry meaning and connect generations.

As the festive season unfolds, the tickey becomes more than a coin. It becomes a symbol of the warmth, nostalgia and tradition that so many South Africans hold dear. Whether tucked into a jewellery box, displayed in a cabinet or simply remembered through stories, the tickey endures as one of South Africa’s most charming treasures, a little piece of silver that continues to shine brightly through time.

As we celebrate the little treasures that carry our history, we’re reminded of why we do what we do. Every coin, keepsake and heirloom tells a story, and it’s an honour to help preserve those stories for the generations still to come. Whether you’re uncovering the value of a family piece, searching for something truly special, or simply exploring the past one item at a time, our doors are always open. At J&J Antiques and Collectables, we look forward to helping you discover the beauty, memory and meaning behind every timeless treasure.