Some of the proof Krugerrand coins minted in April and May 2011 have been found to be under-spec, meaning they contain less than the amount of gold they were supposed to contain. Krugerrand coins in question were not underweight, but as mentioned under-spec, which makes harder for coin dealers and collectors to detect that they are flawed. They have been found to contain up to 5 percent less gold than the quality specifications require. The problematic coins were first discovered by a South African collector (watch a video).

Newspaper Sunday Times reported that important coin dealers were contacted by the South African Reserve Bank and the South African Mint Company (subsidiary of the Bank) last year, that informed them about the problematic coins. They were offered the possibility to return and exchange the problematic coins at the expense of the SA Mint Company.

South African Reserve Bank had confirmed that some of the proof Krugerrand coins minted in April and May 2011 did not meet the required quality specifications.

There were 1,539 proof Krugerrand coins minted in that period in various sizes, 548 coins of those were sold. After an investigation the SA Reserve Bank found 6 problematic coins. Investigation also led to suspension of two top executives of the SA Mint Company. Nobody had confirmed if the investigation provided any evidence of criminal activity or negligence, it is believed that the problem occurred during the production process.

The issue raises concerns among the numismatic community, because the coins were struck by the subsidiary of the important state institution. Some claim the problem may damage the Krugerrand coins brand, one of the most popular bullion coins that are seen as one of the safest investment coins in the world, and the reputation of the SA Reserve Bank.

On the other hand withdrawal of the flawed 2011 coins could add collector value to them, such as error Krugerrand coins.

Good to know: It is important to distinguish between proof Krugerrand coins, that are collectible coins produced in smaller quantities by the South African Mint and sold with higher premium, and bullion Krugerrand coins, that are minted by the Rand Refinery, which value is derived from the value of gold with a small premium and are sold as investment coins in higher numbers every day. The difference between the two is also in a number of serrations: bullion coins have 180 serrations while proof Krugerrands have 220 serrations.

More about the Krugerrand coins:

Krugerrand Coins

Krugerrand Value

Watch the following video in which a long term collector and investor in gold coins shares his experience with collecting gold coins such as South African coins (ex. Krugerrand coins) and other gold coins. He explains his views on collecting gold coins, presents examples of gold bullion, certified and uncertified coins and gives advice about grading companies.

Technorati Tags: gold bullion coins, gold coins, Krugerrand Coins, South African Coins

R2 gold coins are South African coins that were reintroduced in 1997 as commemorative coin series. The first R2 gold coins were (like the first R1 gold coins) issued in 1961 when South Africa became a Republic, replacing the gold pound coins introduced in 1952. They were minted until 1983 as 22 carat gold coins with a springbok motive on the reverse.

In 1997 R2 coins reappeared as legal tender 24 carat gold proof coin series. These 1/4 ounce bullion coins are issued in limited mintages every year. They depict various themes with their design changing annually. In 1997 R2 gold series started and as Paleontological series portraying paleontological motives of South Africa. In 2002 the World Heritage Sites series was introduced portraying the World Heritage Sites of South Africa.

Specifications of the R2 Gold Coins

In 2007 a coin design competition was introduced to stimulate public interest in South African coins, using the R2 gold coin series to represent the initiative. The winning design of the 2007 competition – Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site, was portrayed on the 2008 R2 gold coins. Another coin design competition took place in 2008. The winning design was depicted on the 2009 R2 gold coins.

Themes of the R2 Gold Coins

* R2 gold coins were issued in commemoration of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa from 2006 to 2010. These exclusive gold coins feature trademarks of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa with different South African national symbols. All five FIFA R2 1/4 ounce gold coins are also available in the R2 Gold Coin Prestige Set.

The R2 gold coins are packaged in a black leatherette box. All the coins and coin sets are issued with individually numbered Certificates of Authenticity that guarantee quality and content of the coins and proves that they were manufactured by the South African Mint. Certificates feature the year, coin specifications, limited edition, description of the product and are signed by the Managing Director of the South African Mint. They are redesigned every year to prevent the duplication. Besides that, the logo of the South African Mint is printed on the certificates in a transparent ink that is visible only under an ultra-violet light.

It is also good to know that there is no VAT tax on these beautiful collectible gold South African coins that are available from different coin dealers around the world and online.

Technorati Tags: 2010 FIFA World Cup, bullion coins, coin, Gold coin, Proof coinage, r2 gold coins, South Africa, South African Coins, South African Mint

R1 gold coins are South African coins that were re-introduced in 1997 as collectible coin series portraying the cultural diversity in South Africa. The first R1 gold coins were released when South Africa became a Republic in 1961. They were issued as currency 22 carat gold coins. They were minted until 1983 and were re-introduced in 1997 as proof quality commemorative coins.

Specifications of the R1 Gold Coins

Today R1 coins are minted as 1/10 ounce 24 carat gold coins. The first – 1997 theme of the R1 gold coins featured The first heart transplant. In 1998 the Cultural Series portraying all the major cultures in South Africa was introduced. The first – 1998 cultural R1 gold coins depict the San Culture also known as The lost generation, beautiful people or Bushman. On obverse they portray the South African Coat of Arms and different South African cultures on reverse side. Their design changes every year. Each coin has a Certificate of Authenticity that describes the coin’s specifications, year, limited edition and contains a short description of the product.

These beautiful cultural South African coins are issued by the South African Mint in limited mintages of only 1000 gold coins per year. They are designed for national and international coin markets and are not only great collectible coins, but also good investments.

Themes of the R1 Gold Coins

* From 2008 until 2010, the R1 gold coins were also part of the FIFA World Cup Series.

Technorati Tags: coin, Coins, Commemorative coin, cultural coin series, gold coins, R1 gold coin series, South Africa, South African Coins, South African Mint

Protea series was introduced by the South African Mint in 1986 following the popular Krugerrand coins. These beautiful collector South African coins commemorate rich history of South Africa. They were initially issued as 22 carat gold coins, but since 1997 the gold Protea coins have been minted in 24 carat gold.

Protea coins are produced in limited mintages every year which enhances their collector value.  The target market for Protea Series (as well as for the Natura, R1 and R2 coins) are collectors and small investors. They are available as 1/10 ounce and 1 ounce pure gold coins, 1 ounce – R1 steling silver coin and in sets (Prestige Set, Proof Set). They come with Certificates of Authenticity that are due to the security measures re-designed every year and have a logo of the South African Mint printed in transparent ink visible only under the ultra-violet light. There are also special launches of the Protea coins, that are often released to commemorate special events or awards.

Specifications of the Protea Coins

Obverse of the coins portrays the national flower of South Africa -  the King Protea (Protea Cynaroides) also called King sugar Bush. On reverse they feature different social motives, significant South African events, people and industries, that change annually. It is interesting that Protea coins do not depict name of the series in their design.

Overall theme of the Protea coins changes every three to four years, to maintain the collector’s interest. Some of the overall themes depicted on the Protea coins are:

• Important social issues: 1996-1998
• South African industries: 1999-2001
• Nobel Peace Prize Winners of South Africa: 2005-2007

Themes of the Protea Coins

You can buy Protea coins on different websites such as eBay or BidOrBuy and from numerous coin dealers around the world.

Technorati Tags: Coins, collectible coins, collector coins, Gold coin, gold coins, Protea Coins, South Africa, South African Coins

Natura Series was introduced by the South African Mint in 1994 as the first South African fine gold coin series. Natura coins are beautifull 24 carat gold collector South African coins produced in limited mintages every year. They depict different motives inspired by the African animals, that change anually. Natura coins are available in four different sizes as 1 ounce, 1/2 ounce, 1/4 ounce and 1/10 ounce gold coins and in sets compiled of all four sized coins. 

Specifications of the Natura Coins



* Face value was added to Natura coins design in 2002.

Design of Natura coins changes every year based on the overall theme. First five annual designs are known as the Big Five, in 1999 Monarchs of Africa overall theme was introduced, followed by the Wild Cats of Africa theme introduced in 2002 and the Giants of Africa theme commenced in 2005. In 2009 theme called Safari Trough South Africa, that depicts the White Rhinoceros (2009) – endangered species successfully saved from extinction with a help of the project called Save the Rhino, and Black Rhinoceros (2010) – the species that is still critically endangered, was introduced. The last theme called Animal Families was commenced in this year.



2003 Natura Coin Set – Lion



  Themes and  Mintages of the Natura Coins



* Mintmarks. ** Approximate mintages.; Source of mintages: reviews.ebay.co.uk

South African Mint issues Natura coins anually. You can buy them from different coin dealers and online on websites such as Amazon, Ebay and BidOrBuy.

Technorati Tags: collector coins, gold coins, natura coins, natura series, South African Coins

Mandela coins are among the most appealing South African coins. They portray Nelson Mandela – former South African president, anti-apartheid activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Nobel Laureates medallions minted by the Mint of Norway and Nobel Protea coins minted by the South African Mint, commemorate Nobel Prize winners – Nelson Mandela and Frederik Willem de Klerk, that were awarded the joint Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for their contribution to the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime and transition to the democracy in South Africa. Nobel Mandela coins and medallions are popular among collectors because of their rarity, as well as due to Nelson Mandela’s global appeal.

PROTEA SERIES – NOBEL PEACE PRIZE WINNERS

In 2007 Nelson Mandela appeared on Protea Nobel Peace Prize winners coins minted by the South African Mint, that celebrate Nobel Laureates – Nelson Mandela and Frederik Willem de Klerk who were awarded the joint Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. Obverse of the coins portrays the South African national flower King Protea, while the reverse depicts different 1993 Nobel Peace Prize motives such as a portrait of Nelson Mandela, portrait of F. W. De Klerk, joint portrait of both 1993 Nobel Peace Prize winners, extract from Mandela’s acceptance speech and F. W. de Klerk speech.

  LAUREATES OF THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE MEDALLIONS BY THE MINT OF NORWAY

 Gold Nobel laureates Mandela medallions were minted by the Mint of Norway since 2005 to commemorate joint laureates of the Nobel peace prize in 1993 – Nelson Mandela and Frederik Willem de Klerk. Some medallions portray only Nelson Mandela while others portray both 1993 Nobel Peace Prize winners. They are known also as the Long walk to freedom Mandela medallions and as the Mandela /De Klerk medallions.

Nobel Laureates Mandela Medallions: On the obverse they portray Nelson Mandela with the inscriptions Mandela Nelson Rolihlahla and A long walk to freedom, while on the reverse they depict a motive of Nobel laurel with the inscription Honoured with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

Nobel Laureates Manela/De Klerk Medallions: On one side they portray Nelson Mandela with inscriptions Mandela Nelson Rolihlahla and A long walk to freedom. On the other side there is a portrait of Frederik Willem de Klerk with the inscriptions De Klerk Frederik Willem 1993 and To bring justice to everybody.

The lists are informative.  

  Nelson Mandela and Frederik Willem de Klerk were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, 1993.

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Robben Island Mandela medallions were minted in 2009 by the Mint of Norway to commemorate the time that Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on the island. Former South African president was incarcerated on the Robben Island for 18 years, from 1946 to 1982, with many other political freedom fighters. Robben Island is today also known as UNESCO world heritage site with many different animal species, diverse vegetation and spectacular views.

Robben Island Mandela medallions are as 1/2 ounce, 2 ounce, 5 ounce and 1 kilogram 24 carat gold medallions, 1 ounce silver and unique 1 kilogram silver medallions. Obverse of the gold medallions depicts a portrait of Nelson Mandela with inscriptions “Mandela Nelson Rolihlahla” and “A long walk to freedom”. On the reverse there is a picture of Robben Island with Table Mountain in the background and inscriptions “Robben Island”, “1964-1982”.

The list may not be complete and will be completed with time.

One kilogram silver Robben Island Mandela is the latest medallion from this series. It is the first kilo silver medallion issued by the South African Gold Coin Exchange and is very big. On the obverse there is a gold plated portrait of Nelson Mandela with inscriptions “Mandela Nelson Rolihlala” and “A long walk to freedom”. And on the reverse there is a gold plated picture of Robben Island with inscriptions “Robben Island”, “1964, Mandela’s signature, 1982”. This rare Mint Mark- signature of Nelson Mandela, is also adding to the intrinsic value of this unique medallion. 

Aerial view of Robben Island with Table Mountain in the background.

Technorati Tags: 1 kg mandela, Mandela Coins, mandela robben island, South African Coins

Mandela Coins are one of the most appealing South African coins besides Krugerrands. They are honoring Nelson Mandela, former South African president and anti-apartheid activist. They are popular because of their rarity and Mandela’s global appeal. Rare Mandela coins are great collector items and excellent investments that are continuously growing in value.

The first part of the list shows some of the rare Mandela coins and medallions issued between 1994 and 2004. It is not complete and will be completed with time.

1. 1994 Presidential Inauguration Mandela Coins and Medallions: The list starts with the first South African coins and medallions with Mandela’s image- Presidential Inauguration coins and medallions, issued in 1994. That is the year when Nelson Mandela became South African president after the first democratic elections in the country. In honor of this event South African Mint minted one ounce 24 carat Mandela coin known as The Presidential Inauguration 1oz. Obverse of the coin portrays the Union Buildings in Pretoria and the reverse depicts old South African coat of arms.

In the same year South African Mint minted the Inauguration Mandela medallions, that are available as one ounce and five ounce 24 carat gold medallions. Obverse of the medallion portrays Nelson Mandela with the inscription- Nelson R Mandela and the reverse depicts the Union Buildings.

* Mintages are uncertain.

2. 1994 Statesmen of the World Mandela Coins were minted in the United Kingdom as part of the the Greatest statesmen of the world coin series. They are available as 1/2 ounce and 5 ounce 24 carat gold Mandela coins. Obverse of the coin portrays Nelson Mandela with a small springbok, inscription- President Nelson Mandela ∙ South Africa, and denomination value ($250 for the 1/2 oz and $2500 for the 5 oz coin).

* Mintages are uncertain and probably smaller than the maximum mintages shown in the table.

3. Equal Education Mandela Medallions also known as the “Education for all” medallions were minted by the South African Mint from 1995-1999. It is available as tenth ounce, quarter ounce, one ounce and five ounce 24 carat gold medallion. Obverse of the medallion portrays Nelson Mandela’s image with the inscription- Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and the reverse depicts a student at a desk with the inscription- Education, Literacy, Achievement and Education for all.

* Mintages are uncertain and probably smaller than the maximum permitted mintages shown in the table.

4. 10 Years of Democracy Mandela Coins- Protea Series: These legal tender coins were issued as part of Protea series in 2004. They are commemorating 10 years of democracy in South Africa that began with the first post-apartheid general election in 1994, where Nelson Mandela was elected president. They are available as 1/10 ounce and 1 ounce 24 carat gold coins and in 3 coin sets that consist of 1/10 ounce, 1 ounce gold coins and R1 sterling silver coin. Obverse of all coins depicts South African national symbol- Protea, inscription- South Africa and issuing year 2004. Reverse of the one ounce pure gold coin depicts two portraits of Nelson Mandela (one looking out of his prison cell), Union Buildings, denomination (R25) and the years 1994-2004. Reverse of tenth ounce coin depicts South African flag and reverse of R1 sterling silver coin depicts four national symbols (protea, springbok, blue crane and galjoen).

Technorati Tags: inauguration mandela, mandela coin, Mandela Coins, South African Coins

Mandela coins are one of the most profitable coins in the world. They are available in many different shapes and sizes- as bronze, silver, platinum or gold coins, some are commemorative medallions with very low mintages while others are legal tender coins with millions of pieces available. What all Mandela coins have in common is the image of Nelson Mandela – former South African president, anti-apartheid activist and one of the most respected people alive – printed on them.

Mandela coins are popular because of their rarity as well due to Mandela’s global appeal. Besides that, they generate a great deal of interest in the world of coins because of their continuously growing values, that have skyrocketed and exceeded all expectations. In thissense rare Mandela coins are a phenomenon in the world of rare coins and are still gaining popularity. Here are some of the Mandela coins available:

First South African coins that Nelson Mandela’s image appeared on was the Inauguration R5coin issued in 1994, when Mandela became South African president. It is an one ounce 24 carat gold coin with limited proof mintage and rising value.

On 18 July 2008 coins honoring Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday were issued. Some of these Mandela 90th Birthday coins (also called Madiba R5) are legal tender coins with mintage of five million. They are bimetallic coins with Nelson Mandela’s image, inscriptions 90 years and 5 Rand on one side and a motive of South African coat of arms, issuing year and Suid Africa, Afrika Borwa imprinted on the other side. Many of these coins have been removed from circulation and are now available online as collector items. There are also rare 90th Birthday Mandela coins such as 1 oz, 2 oz and 1/2 kg gold medallions, 1 oz silver medallion, 1/2 oz and 1/10 oz platinum medallions available.

In 2007 Nelson Mandela appeared on 1 oz gold Mandela/de Klerk Protea coin together with another Nobel Peace Prize winner awarded in 1993 – Frederik Willem de Klerk. There is also 1/10 oz gold Mandela Nobel medallion that depicts Mandela’s image only available. Some of the Mandela/de Klerk coins such as 1 oz gold, 1 oz silver medallions and a special 1 oz Mandela Nobel silver medallion with Mandela’s image only, come from the Mint of Norway as well.

Another collection of Mandela coins is known as Mandela Robben Island coins. They are minted by the Mint of Norway and they portray image of Nelson Mandela on one side and Table Mountain overlooking Robben Island (where Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years) with dates 1964 – 1982 imprinted on the other side. There are 1 oz and 1 kg pure silver medallions and 1/2 oz, 2 oz, 5 oz and 1 kg gold medallions available.

Besides these, there are other Mandela coins such as 10th anniversary of South African democracy Mandela coin (24 carat gold coins, released in 2004), Mandela 20th year anniversary of his release from prison medallion (1/2 oz gold coin released in 2010), Mandela Mint Mark (1/2 oz gold coin, released in 2010), Mandela coins from Rwanda and others.

Mandela coins are also available in sets such as Prestige set that consists of all the R5 Mandela coins and Standard set that consists of 10 uncirculated Mandela coins. Both sets are rare and have a great profit potential. There are also sets such as 2008 Commemorative R5 set, Prestige Nobel Set and the 90th Birthday set available on the market.

 Some of the Mandela coins are the most fastest growing rare coins in the history with values that have been rising for years. Great example is rare Mandela R5 Proof coin that has increased in value by about 4 million percent in only 7 years. This is almost unbelievable phenomenon unseen in the history of coin collecting and investing. Nevertheless experts think that this trend is not over yet since market of Mandela coins is young and has a lot of potential for further development and growth. That is why rare Mandela coins are not only great collector items but also exceptional investment opportunity- maybe even one of the best available.

Related articles:

List of Rare Mandela Coins and Medallions: 1994 – 2004

Rare Mandela Coins and Medallions: Robben Island

Rare Mandela Coins and Medallions: Nobel Laureates and Nobel Protea Coins

Technorati Tags: gold coins value, Mandela 90th Birthday coins, mandela coin, Mandela Coins, Mandela Robben Island coins, Mandela/de Klerk coins, South African Coins