CELERBRATING A SOUTH AFRICAN ICON: OR TAMBO COLLECTABLE COINS

At the South African Mint, we cherish our role as custodians of South Africa’s rich, diverse and complex heritage. This month, we continue our theme of “Celebrating South Africa” with the introduction of the collectable OR Tambo centenary coin range.

This brand-new coin series honouring the memory and contribution of political figure and struggle icon, Oliver Reginald Tambo, comes in the form of a commemorative R5 circulating coin (introduced in the last newsletter), and these new collectable coins described here. Since 2002, Tambo’s legacy has been beautifully preserved on a national level in the awarding by the South African President of the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo. It is a distinct honour, bestowed on foreign Heads of State and other eminent foreign persons for friendship to our country. So, as we celebrate 100 years since Tambo’s birth on October 27th 1917, the South African Mint is proud to further solidify his legacy with this exquisite new coin series.

SETTING OFF ON OUR CELEBRATION OF SOUTH AFRICA

The collectable coins capture Tambo’s most significant stages of life – Tambo as a young man, Tambo in exile and Tambo as an older, distinguished man who has achieved iconic status. Although the coins in the series are available for purchase individually (with the exception of the R5 commemorative proof coin), we take great pride in having put together two exceptional sets that cohesively represent Tambo’s legacy.

The series consists of a R500 1 oz 24 ct gold proof coin, a R50 1 oz sterling-silver proof coin, a R50 base-metal proof coin and a R5 commemorative proof coin (only available in as part of the sets, not individually).

OR TAMBO
THE AFRICAN LEGEND

OR TAMBO
AS A YOUNG MAN

OR TAMBO
OR TAMBO IN EXILE

OR Tambo – The African Legend
We’re introducing a new, more ‘accessible’ metal among our collectable coins. This R50 proof quality coin made from a base metal alloy (similar to some of our circulating coins) depicts a portrait of an elderly Tambo facing westward against a backdrop of a flock of soaring birds. Encircling this round frame are his full names, as well as the years 1917 – 2017.

OR Tambo as a Young Man
This sterling silver R50 coin features a portrait of a young Tambo sporting the parted afro that was so popular in the early days of the struggle. The image is set against the backdrop of a vibrant African pattern.

OR Tambo in Exile
Wearing his large signature eye-glasses on the R500 pure-gold coin, a determined and Tambo is depicted against a similarly dynamic African print.

THE THREE COIN SET
The Three Coin Set consists of three commemorative coins; the R50 1 oz sterling-silver proof coin, R50 base-metal proof coin and a R5 commemorative proof coin.

THE FOUR COIN PRESTIGE SET
The Four Coin Prestige Set is comprised of all the OR Tambo centenary coins; R500 1 oz 24 ct gold proof coin, a R50 1 oz sterling-silver proof coin, a R50 base-metal proof coin and a R5 commemorative proof coin (only available in as part of the sets, not individually).

We are certainly not limiting the celebration of this legendary leader to avid coin collectors alone. All South Africans will get the chance to hold a beautiful piece of our history in their hand. We are issuing four million commemorative R5 coins into circulation, so do keep a look out for them!

This range is a lasting tribute to greats like Tambo who fought so courageously to attain freedom for all South Africans. The collectables will officially be available for purchase at the Mint and our retail affiliates, on what would have been Tambo’s 100th birthday, October 27th.

A LAUNCH TO REMEMBER

On October 4th, we officially unveiled this new range of OR Tambo commemorative coins at a launch event held at the OR Tambo cultural precinct in Wattville, Benoni. The launch was well-attended, with high profile guests amongst the enthused audience, including; Reserve Bank Governor, Lesetja Kganyago; Former President, Kgalema Motlanthe; former Speaker of the National Assembly, Frene Ginwala; as well as former First Lady, Zanele Mbeki.

Speaking on behalf of the South African Mint, Managing Director Tumi Tsehlo said, “We consider ourselves as one of the foremost champions of South African heritage, which we depict in the narrative of our coins”. During his address, he emphasised that it was only fitting to produce both circulation and collectable coins to appropriately honour the great South African Tambo was and his contribution to the struggle for equality.

Mr. Lesetja Kganyago, Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, delivering the keynote address

Mr. Dali Tambo and Mr. Tumi Tsehlo with Mr. Sindiso Nyoni, designer of the Tambo portraits featured on the coins, as well as Ms. Linda Vilakazi, CEO of the Tambo Foundation

Schoolgirls performing a play about the life of OR Tambo

Mr. Dali Tambo, eldest son and representative of the Tambo family

Mr. Tumi Tsehlo, Managing Director of the South African Mint, watches on after introducing a video of the new Tambo centenary coins

KRUGERRAND BULLION NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE SOUTH AFRICAN MINT

POP IN TO OUR POP-UPS

Here’s another great opportunity to start or extend your coin collection in person. We’ll be running a pop-up store at Menlyn Mall in Pretoria, at the Starbucks Court from Friday the 27th until Sunday the 29th of October. You can also still find us at our long-term pop-up store in Melrose Arch at Elegance Jewellers (upstairs). You are welcome to place an order with a sales representative for collection at the stand.

See you there!

LET’S CONNECT

To place an order for any South African Mint products, please contact our sales office on +27 12 677 2482 or send a completed order form to numismatics@samint.co.za.