The South African Mint is
one of the world’s leading mints and over the years has earned a
worldwide reputation for its appealing designs, exceptional
craftsmanship and the high standard of its quality coins, winning
numerous international awards in the process. The Mint is a wholly
owned subsidiary of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), established
in accordance with the SARB Act, which authorises the SARB to ‘coin
coins or cause coins to be coined’. The Mint is made up of two
divisions: circulation coins (CC), Numismatics (Nums), the CC division
manufactures the legal tender coins that we use in our everyday
transactions, as well as coin blanks, which are sold to customers for
minting. Over and above producing all South African Coinage, it also
produces circulation coins for the export market, minting the coins that
are used as currency in numerous countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and
South America
The Nums division produces proof quality premium products made mainly in
gold and silver specifically for the collector’s market. These include
the world famous Krugerrand, as well as our Natura and Protea Series’,
amongst others. Minted in limited numbers, they are true collector’s
items, and are sought after around the world. The demand for the Mint’s
numismatic coins has grown significantly over the past few years both
locally and in the international market, due to their appealing themes,
designs and quality craftsmanship.
It is said that one can tell the story of a country based on the designs
depicted on its coins over the years, and this is certainly true for
South Africa too. Since 1994, the focus of the Mint has been on
depicting relevant and nation-building themes on our coins, aligned to
our new democracy. This includes featuring our national heritage as
well as honouring outstanding individuals who have made a significant
contribution in our society. Some of the people that have been featured
on our coins include Chief Albert Luthuli, Bishop Tutu, Nelson Mandela,
FW de Klerk and Mahatma Gandhi. Our Natura Series features wildlife
and is very popular both locally and internationally. Some of the
proceeds from these coins are ploughed back into initiatives that
promote nature conversation. We believe that coins are meant to last
for a very long time, and that the coins we make today will become a
treasure for tomorrow – hence our brand promise of Timeless Value.
As far as the technical aspects of coin making go, the SA Mint is on the
cutting edge of international developments in coin technology. As with
most industries today, there has been a considerable shift towards the
use of computers and digital tools in the making of coins. Even though
we do use new technology at the Mint, we still also make use of tried
and tested modelling and die sinking practices, which continue to
deliver the results we look for. New technology cannot compete with the
skill and craftsmanship that these practices demand, or the texture and
depth that they produce. By this careful balance of traditional
methods and technological progress, the SA Mint keeps itself at the
forefront of coin design.
The coins we make at the South African Mint are amongst the most
beautiful in the world and we cordially invite you to join the world of
South African coin collectors, to start acquiring this ‘Timeless Value’
for yourself and thus be in a position to enjoy and later pass on the
beauty, heritage and economic value of coins to future generations.
Mr. A. M. Mvinjelwa
Managing Director
South African Mint Company