Paying tribute to the legacy of South Africa’s first democratically elected President and global icon Nelson Mandela, the South African Mint, on Wednesday, unveiled the last edition in the ‘Life of a Legend – Nelson Mandela’ Protea collectable coin series.

Since 2013, the coin series has reflected on key events in Mandela’s life.

South African Mint MD Tumi Tsehlo said Mandela’s legacy ­is that he showed the world that the edifice of apartheid could be dismantled with generosity of heart.

“It is befitting for a man of his stature that his legacy is preserved for posterity just like the gift of democracy. As we mark 25 years of our youthful existence, the South Africa Mint is proud to present these last coins in ‘Life of a Legend’ range,” said Tsehlo.

Coin Range

The 1 oz R25 gold coin represents Mandela’s election in 1994 as South Africa’s first black President in a free and democratic South Africa. The heart of the coin design features a silhouetted profile of Mandela depicted with the Union Buildings featured in the background, with the quotation, “Ours is a vision of a just and democratic South Africa in which all its people will enjoy a full and rewarding life”, appears along the outer edge of the coin.

The design of the 1/10 oz  R5 gold coin features an elderly Madiba and the quotation, “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it - Nelson Mandela”.

The R1 sterling-silver proof and R1 sterling-silver uncirculated coin depict a smiling Madiba holding his grandchild. A paisley pattern, indicative of the shirts he loved to wear, was chosen for this design.

The quotation, “The spirit of Ubuntu - that profound African sense that we are human only through the humanity of other human beings” is featured on the reverse, together with the denomination, mass and metal value of the coin.

The coins are available individually, and in a set of three with the 1 oz and 1/10 oz gold coins and the sterling-silver proof coin. A special edition launch is also available for purchase.

The coins and sets are available from the South African Mint retail store in Centurion, as well as the True Story stores in the OR Tambo International and Cape Town airports. The coins will also be available at the South African Mint's Melrose Arch retail space on the top floor of the Elegance store.