On July 18, 2014, South African has released a new Nelson Mandela 2014 gold coins to commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day for 2014. The United Nations designated July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day in 2009.
The centrepiece is a 24 carat gold coin etched with Mandela's portrait with his arms folded, inscribed with his words: "Every where it is accepted that students... have the right to freedom of thought."
The South African Reserve Bank said the set of three coins was a tribute to South Africa's first democratic president's "dedication to life-long learning".
The pure gold R25 coin displays the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape, where Mandela studied, a young Mandela wearing a double-breasted suit, and the Mandela quote: "Everywhere in the world it is accepted that students, as a thinking and independent-minded section of the population, have the right to freedom of thought and expression of opinion."
The sterling silver R1 coin depicts Mandela as a child practising how to write "Nelson" on a slate board, along with the Mandela quote: "The children of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and education is a very important weapon to prepare children for their future roles as leaders of the community."
The pure gold R5 coin carries his quote: "Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world."
All three coins have the same obverse: South Africa's national flower, the King Protea, in a half garland below Mandela in one of his trademark Madiba shirts.
"The South African Mint Company is honoured to release the second Protea coin series on the first Mandela Day that he is not with us," South African Mint Company MD Tumi Tsehlo said in a statement. "Making it more special is that it is dedicated to education, which was so close to his heart."
Nelson Mandela Foundation chief executive Sello Hatang said: "These beautiful coins, which commemorate the life and times of Madiba, continue to propagate his life and his beliefs, which we cherish as the Nelson Mandela Foundation. They are testament to a living legacy."
The 2014 Protea Life of a legend coin series is available for purchase at the SA Mint in Centurion.
Born Rolihlahla Mandela on 18 July 1918 in Mvezo, in the Transkei. His father was Nkosi Mphakanyiswa Gadla Henry, chief of Mvezo and his mother, Noqaphi Nosekeni, one of the Chief’s four wives. The family moved to Qunu where Mandela spent his early childhood. After the death of his father he went to live with the regent of the Thembu people, Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo, who lived in a compound called the “Great Place” in Mqhekezweni.
Source: Reuters, South Africa info
