Mandela Birthday Coin from South African Mint
A commemorative Nelson Mandela "Madiba" five rand (R5) coin was introduced today by the South African Mint and Reserve Bank to celebrate Mandela’s 90th birthday.

Five million bi-metallic coins featuring a smiling Mandela have already been minted and will be released into circulation as part of his official birthday cerebration on Friday, July 18. The R5 coins are legal tender and have a circulating value of about 65 cents (US) each.
Reserve Bank Governor Tito Mboweni indicated the coin’s portrait includes Mandela wearing his signature pattern shirt, which "differentiates him from other portrayals of states persons on coins."
At a ceremonial minting for one of the coins, Reuters news quoted Mandela as smiling and jokingly saying,
“I am a bit richer this morning and I am not going to associate with poor people any more … This is very nice.”
Many South Africans affectionately use the former president’s clan name of Madiba, resulting in the commemorative coin often being called the "Madiba R5".
In 2007, the South African Mint also launched a pure gold and silver Protea Coin Series honoring former Presidents, Mr Nelson Mandela and Mr FW de Klerk who jointly won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
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September 10th, 2008 at 2:38 am
I have a number of new circulation samples of this coin, does anyone have an idea of what their value might be?
September 28th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
where can i sell mandela R5 birthday coin
October 28th, 2008 at 10:39 am
where can I sell Mandela R5 birthday coin? any collector interested?
October 31st, 2008 at 2:44 pm
I have a number of Mandela 90th birthday R5 coins available. Any interested parties? Or any info on where i can sell them would be appreciated.
November 4th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Can anyone tell me the real deal behind the Birthday coin?? Some ppl say its worth nothing others say its worth alot…
And if it is valueble can anyone tell me where two sell it
November 8th, 2008 at 4:30 am
I HAVE MANDELA BIRTDAY COINS AND MANDELA 2000 COIN WHERE MUST I SELL THEM
January 7th, 2009 at 12:43 am
I have the new Nelson Mandela 90 birthday R5 coin, if anyone is interested in buying or can tell me where i could sell it, much appreciated.
February 2nd, 2009 at 8:50 am
Can anyone tell me the real deal behind the Birthday coin?? Some ppl say its worth nothing others say its worth alot…
And if it is valuable can anyone tell me where to sell it
February 4th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Dear readers
The 2008 Mandela 90th R5 coins are a very special currency release! But only the uncirculatd and proof specimens which are graded and certified by globally recognized third party graders (NGC & PCGS) are actually worth collecting/investing in. The best step you could make is seek advice of reputable dealer, one of whom are the SA Coin Corp in Woodmead, South Africa. Most sellers on auction websites are most often uninformed and lack numismatic knowledge. As an investment it can only be taken seriously if you have the backing of professionals.
I’m very happy that the above company introduced me to this market years ago and provided me with great advice and assistance. I have enjoyed many happy returns since I started dealing with them many years ago… I would suggest all above queries to be directed to them! Good luck and happy collecting!
March 24th, 2009 at 12:54 am
I have 20 brand new mandela birthday coins for sale. These coins are from the bank and mint they have not been surculated. Where must I sell these coins?
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Hi i also have uncirculated 90th birthday and inauguration coins. What are they really worth because some ppl say that it could be valuable in the future. People overseas are buying them. Especially Americans.
April 14th, 2009 at 2:29 am
I have a few of these Mandela coins, and i would like to know who i can contact with regards to selling these coins. Any dealers interested maybe.
April 20th, 2009 at 2:22 am
Hi. I got few Madiba’s R5 coins and i would like to sell them,So if there is any dealers interested please let me know!
April 26th, 2009 at 12:46 am
I’VE GOT 10 MADIBA R5 COINS AND 1 SILVER MADIBA R5.IF THERE’S ANY ONE WHO’S INTERESTED IN BUYING THEM OR IF ANY ONE WHO CAN TELL ME WHERE I CAN SELL THEM,PLEASE CONTACT ME.
May 7th, 2009 at 6:53 am
I HAVE SOME R5 MANDELA COINS. ARE THEY WORTH ANYTHING NOW OR SHOULD IS IT AS PEOPLE ARE SAYING THAT IT WILL ONLY BE WORTH ONCE MANDELA PASSES ON. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE LET ME HAVE THE REAL STORY.
June 2nd, 2009 at 2:38 am
Hi ive also got some of the 90th birthday madiba coins and id also like to know what they are worth , also who does proofing of coins these days as i phonned a coin company in Johannesburg and the told me nobody does this any more .
Thank you for your help .
Ryan.
June 8th, 2009 at 8:02 am
When someone gave me this coin as change three months ago, I simply tossed in among my socks as a souvenir. While cleaning out the holey socks today 8th June, it tumbled to the floor. I reckoned, “Oh well, maybe someone else may need it”, so I looked it up on the web. Being ignorant about these things, the first site I visited gave me a fright. R1.4 million. Being skeptical, I visted every other site. I first looked at a special edition. I kept searching. At last I found the true value, IE: From R14 to R30 depending on condition, etc. At that price it’s not worth advertising or keeping. I mean, GEE! Why keep a R5 coin worth say, R20 for 20 years when it may have accumulated more had you put it in savings. I think I’ll just chuck it back among the socks again.