TWO learners at Highbury Preparatory School stumbled upon a surprise find beneath the sand near the jungle gym – a 1c coin dating all the way back to 1961.

The school said Atipa Kawara and Grayson Fourie were heading to their classroom when a small mound in the earth caught their eye.

“It looked a bit weird,” said Grayson, “so we went to look.”

Atipa brushed the sand away with his hand and uncovered the old coin, coated in dust but unmistakably metal.

After a quick rinse, the boys were completely captivated.

“It’s fascinating,” said Atipa. Grayson was quick to point out the coin’s age.

“My granny is older than this coin, and my oupa was born when it was made!”

As it turns out, 1961 wasn’t just any year. It was the year the rand officially went into circulation, replacing the South African pound — making this one of the first 1c coins to ever be minted in the country!

The boys showed their discovery to their teacher, who confirmed that the coin was indeed real. When Atipa later showed it to his gran, she was shocked to see such a vintage piece of currency resurface at school.

“Highbury’s 122-year-old grounds have seen their fair share of footsteps, but it’s not every day that something from the dawn of decimal currency reappears.

“The coin is now proudly housed in the Highburian, the school’s museum, where a small display will go up in honour of the boys’ discovery,” said the school’s marketing officer, Roxanne Houareau.

As for what the 1c coin might’ve bought back in its heyday? “Chappies,” said Atipa with a grin. Grayson added, “I think if we keep digging, we might find gold. Or even a skull!”

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