The Demand for Boer Gold and Currency in the POW Camps

It was freely remarked at the time that many of the newly arrived Boers were very flush with money. The rumour was not unfounded, for a good deal of this money, mostly in Transvaal sovereigns, was deposited with the Camp Commandant.

These sovereigns were exchanged at Rs. 15/25 for coin of the Island. They looked slightly larger than the British gold pound, but the gold was probably a trifle less pure. The “Kruger” money, and Transvaal postage stamps which were also brought in large numbers, were greatly sought after as mementoes.

Eventually, very high prices were being asked for the few specimens which remained. A currency of rupee and cent notes, of value only inside the camp, had been introduced for purposes of trade. When as often happened, word was received that a sum of money had been placed to the credit of a prisoner-of-war in one of the South African banks, he was allowed to draw against it in the miniature bank-notes issued by the Camp Commandant.

Source: Boere Krygsgevangenes in Ceylon