By Tula Dlamini.
This is the coin that got me interested in numismatics. In fact, it all started with a comment by my good friend and attorney, Nqobile Malinga. He remarked that Mandela's popularity was growing universally, and that SA coins that linked directly to the icon would in future be sought after by world coin collectors attempting to re-create the Mandela legacy.
Well, Nqobile was right. Mandela's popularity continues to grow and so is the demand for memorabilia that is associated with him.
On 23 January, 2007, the Independent newspaper group in London, reported that anti-apartheid campaigner and Nobel Peace Prize-winner Nelson Mandela was named as the most popular political hero in a survey of British MPs.
Mandela was nominated by 27 MPs in a survey of more than 150 members of the lower House of Commons conducted by Communicate Research, followed by former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher with 12 nominations and British war-time leader Winston Churchill with 11.
Among the more conventional nominations, meanwhile, were former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who had four submissions, and former US president, Bill Clinton.
In South Africa, this global love affair with former South African President Mandela, has been accompanied by the interest in the SA R5 legal tender coins which commemorate his inauguration in 1994 and its counter-part which carries the icon’s resemblance.
Much has been said about the year 2000 issue with Mandela's face and little about the special 1994 commemoration issue R5 depicting the South Africa's Union Building.
Some argue the coin with Union Building was the perfect way to honour a hero of Mandela' stature in that it is perhaps the most beautiful government residence in the world.
It is said that Sir Herbert Baker was the architect of this 275 m long building and had it built in the English monumental style from light sandstone.
The building's name comes from the time of the South African Union, which was only changed in 1961 to the current name, the Republic of South Africa.
Since the first free and common elections in South Africa in 1994 the Union Building has been the residence of the presidency - today Thabo Mbeki - and his government.
Read more about the Union Buildings (click here)
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
A piece of history on heavy metal
By Tula Dlamini
Following reports that counterfeit R5 coins were circulating in certain parts of the country, the Reserve Bank of South Africa moved on to address the issue by launching a new slightly heavier bi-metal R5 coin. The coin went into circulation on 2 August 2004.
Since then, it has become an annual tradition that a limited quantity of these R5 coins are minted on “Oom Paul”, one of the oldest working presses in the world. The “Oom Paul”, now housed at the South African Mint Company's Coin World is famous for the universally acclaimed krugerrands, the first South African coin to gain wide spread international recognition.
Only visitors to the SA Mint are allowed to purchase this particular proof quality R5. And, if you are as lucky as I was, the coin is struck in your presence, allowing you the opportunity to witness "Oom Paul" at work. Each piece is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
The limited R5 version features a miniature mint-mark and the letters “CW”(Coin World). It is the mint-mark that distinguishes this edition from its counterpart, the ordinary circulation R5, which is without the mintmark.
The new coin did not replace the silver-coloured R5 coin which has remained legal tender alongside the new coin. However, the event of its launch marked the beginning of yet another era in South African coinage.
Characterized by a bronze-coloured centre and a silver-coloured border, the new coin features the coat of arms on the obverse and an image of the Black Wildebeest or Gnu on the reverse.
Interesting is the inscription on the coat of arms which reads in the language of the local San people “IKE E XARRA XE” which means ‘out of many we are one”. America has the same inscription on their coins except it is written in latin, "E Pluribus Unum”.
Security features include a groove on the rim of the coin; serrations on both sides of the security groove; “SARB R5” engraved into the security groove and micro-lettering depicting “SARB” on the reverse side of the coin. (click here for images highlighting security features)
The weight of the coin
The new coin’s circumference is the same as that of the old R5 coin, but the new coin is heavier and thicker. Given rising metal prices, and if the US experience is anything to go by, the new R5 in your pocket could in future be worth more melted down than its face value depending on several factors, including SA's rate of inflation. The spectre of this happening must concern the Reserve Bank of South Africa.
In December 2006, the U.S Mint put into place rules prohibiting the melting down of 1-cent and 5-cent coins. The rules also limit the number of coins that can be shipped out of the country.
Officials say the US Mint took this action because "the nation needs its coinage for commerce”.
“We don't want to see our pennies and nickels melted down so a few individuals can take advantage of the American taxpayer," Mint Director Edmund Moy said in a statement cited by the Associated Press (AP).
According to the AP report, the new regulations prohibit the melting of 1-cent and 5-cent coins, with a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to US$10,000 for people convicted of violating the rule.
The rules also require that shipments of the coins out of the country be for legitimate coinage and numismatic purposes and cap the size of any one shipment to $100 worth of the coins.
South Africa does not have such laws yet.
Following reports that counterfeit R5 coins were circulating in certain parts of the country, the Reserve Bank of South Africa moved on to address the issue by launching a new slightly heavier bi-metal R5 coin. The coin went into circulation on 2 August 2004.
Since then, it has become an annual tradition that a limited quantity of these R5 coins are minted on “Oom Paul”, one of the oldest working presses in the world. The “Oom Paul”, now housed at the South African Mint Company's Coin World is famous for the universally acclaimed krugerrands, the first South African coin to gain wide spread international recognition.
Only visitors to the SA Mint are allowed to purchase this particular proof quality R5. And, if you are as lucky as I was, the coin is struck in your presence, allowing you the opportunity to witness "Oom Paul" at work. Each piece is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
The limited R5 version features a miniature mint-mark and the letters “CW”(Coin World). It is the mint-mark that distinguishes this edition from its counterpart, the ordinary circulation R5, which is without the mintmark.
The new coin did not replace the silver-coloured R5 coin which has remained legal tender alongside the new coin. However, the event of its launch marked the beginning of yet another era in South African coinage.
Characterized by a bronze-coloured centre and a silver-coloured border, the new coin features the coat of arms on the obverse and an image of the Black Wildebeest or Gnu on the reverse.
Interesting is the inscription on the coat of arms which reads in the language of the local San people “IKE E XARRA XE” which means ‘out of many we are one”. America has the same inscription on their coins except it is written in latin, "E Pluribus Unum”.
Security features include a groove on the rim of the coin; serrations on both sides of the security groove; “SARB R5” engraved into the security groove and micro-lettering depicting “SARB” on the reverse side of the coin. (click here for images highlighting security features)
The weight of the coin
The new coin’s circumference is the same as that of the old R5 coin, but the new coin is heavier and thicker. Given rising metal prices, and if the US experience is anything to go by, the new R5 in your pocket could in future be worth more melted down than its face value depending on several factors, including SA's rate of inflation. The spectre of this happening must concern the Reserve Bank of South Africa.
In December 2006, the U.S Mint put into place rules prohibiting the melting down of 1-cent and 5-cent coins. The rules also limit the number of coins that can be shipped out of the country.
Officials say the US Mint took this action because "the nation needs its coinage for commerce”.
“We don't want to see our pennies and nickels melted down so a few individuals can take advantage of the American taxpayer," Mint Director Edmund Moy said in a statement cited by the Associated Press (AP).
According to the AP report, the new regulations prohibit the melting of 1-cent and 5-cent coins, with a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to US$10,000 for people convicted of violating the rule.
The rules also require that shipments of the coins out of the country be for legitimate coinage and numismatic purposes and cap the size of any one shipment to $100 worth of the coins.
South Africa does not have such laws yet.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
1 Rand coin marks South Africa's historic 1996 Constitution
On 10 December 1996, the Republic of South Africa (SA) signed into law a new constitution. To commemorate this historic event, the SA Mint issued legal tender 1 rand coins in sterling silver.
According to world standards, these coins are scarce but not rare. 6000 coins were minted in proof quality and all come with a certificate of authenticity.
Several factors mark the significance of this coin. For instance, it was the first time in the history of South Africa that the country's Constitution was drafted through a process involving a cross-section of South Africans.
Analysts say, at the time, the process was "the largest public participation programme ever carried out in South Africa".
It took nearly two years of intensive consultations, and finally, political parties represented in the Constitutional Assembly negotiated the formulations contained in the text, which according to SA Mint were "an integration of ideas from ordinary citizens, civil society and political parties represented in and outside of the Constitutional Assembly".
The SA Constitution thus can be said to represent the collective wisdom of the South African people since it was arrived at by general agreement.
A widely held view is that the SA constitution is one of the finest in world, with more guarrantees for individual civil liberties than in most modern and advanced regulatory states.
This Constitution was introduced hardly two years after the official end of racial apartheid. Indeed, a fitting tribute to Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who was Head of State at the time.
SA Mint is forbidden by law to sell previous year's issues - so if you desire to add this piece of history to your collection, try the coin dealers.
I obtained mine at the SA Mint annual coin festival. The event brings dealers and buyers of numismatic material under one roof for a day filled with light entertainment. This is also the only time in the year that one gets a guided tour of the Mint production plant in Midrand, Pretoria.
According to world standards, these coins are scarce but not rare. 6000 coins were minted in proof quality and all come with a certificate of authenticity.
Several factors mark the significance of this coin. For instance, it was the first time in the history of South Africa that the country's Constitution was drafted through a process involving a cross-section of South Africans.
Analysts say, at the time, the process was "the largest public participation programme ever carried out in South Africa".
It took nearly two years of intensive consultations, and finally, political parties represented in the Constitutional Assembly negotiated the formulations contained in the text, which according to SA Mint were "an integration of ideas from ordinary citizens, civil society and political parties represented in and outside of the Constitutional Assembly".
The SA Constitution thus can be said to represent the collective wisdom of the South African people since it was arrived at by general agreement.
A widely held view is that the SA constitution is one of the finest in world, with more guarrantees for individual civil liberties than in most modern and advanced regulatory states.
This Constitution was introduced hardly two years after the official end of racial apartheid. Indeed, a fitting tribute to Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who was Head of State at the time.
SA Mint is forbidden by law to sell previous year's issues - so if you desire to add this piece of history to your collection, try the coin dealers.
I obtained mine at the SA Mint annual coin festival. The event brings dealers and buyers of numismatic material under one roof for a day filled with light entertainment. This is also the only time in the year that one gets a guided tour of the Mint production plant in Midrand, Pretoria.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
R2 “crown” and 2 1/2c “tickey” 2006 combination set
By Tula Dlamini
The Secretary Bird is the 2006 theme for the “South Africa's Birds of Prey” series, which commenced in 2003. A limited edition of 1000 combination sets was minted.
The Secretary bird is widespread throughout Africa, south of the Sahara. Its name is derived from its crest of long feathers that look like the quill pens 19th century office workers in Europe used to tuck behind their ears.
The Secretary bird may walk up to twenty miles in a day and when pursued, relies on its long legs and speed to escape, only taking to flight when severely threatened. This bird, however, is known to sour above 4000 metres above ground when the need arises.
The Secretary bird consumes snakes, other reptiles, amphibians, tortoises, rats and other small mammals as well as young game birds.
They pair for life and bird watchers attest to the bird's remarkable loyality to their nest location.
Nature conservationists say man's activities, such as agriculture and land development on the one hand, have been detrimental to their populations.
The “African Eagles” were the first to be depicted, followed in 2004 by the “African Owls” and in 2005 by the “African Vultures”.
It's official - combination sets from this series, including the 2006 issue, are no longer available at SA Mint. Only dealers may have them but sure as night and day, you will pay an extra-premium.
I was among the early birds that got the 2006 combination set directly from the Mint.
The Secretary Bird is the 2006 theme for the “South Africa's Birds of Prey” series, which commenced in 2003. A limited edition of 1000 combination sets was minted.
The Secretary bird is widespread throughout Africa, south of the Sahara. Its name is derived from its crest of long feathers that look like the quill pens 19th century office workers in Europe used to tuck behind their ears.
The Secretary bird may walk up to twenty miles in a day and when pursued, relies on its long legs and speed to escape, only taking to flight when severely threatened. This bird, however, is known to sour above 4000 metres above ground when the need arises.
The Secretary bird consumes snakes, other reptiles, amphibians, tortoises, rats and other small mammals as well as young game birds.
They pair for life and bird watchers attest to the bird's remarkable loyality to their nest location.
Nature conservationists say man's activities, such as agriculture and land development on the one hand, have been detrimental to their populations.
The “African Eagles” were the first to be depicted, followed in 2004 by the “African Owls” and in 2005 by the “African Vultures”.
It's official - combination sets from this series, including the 2006 issue, are no longer available at SA Mint. Only dealers may have them but sure as night and day, you will pay an extra-premium.
I was among the early birds that got the 2006 combination set directly from the Mint.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
2010 FIFA World Cup Coins - South Africa issues sterling silver and 24 carat gold
By Tula Dlamini
In 2010, South Africa will host the FIFA Football World Cup. This will be the first time that the world's premier sporting event takes place in Africa.
As part of the FIFA coin programme, the South African Reserve Bank granted the issuing of an official commemorative sterling silver crown size coin and a half-ounce 24 carat gold counterpart.
The coin design is characterised by the German eagle and the South African bird of prey, the secretary bird. This, according to SA Mint depicts the transfer of the FIFA World Cup from Germany to South Africa.
The coin also features the SA world cup logo - itself an African map, with the stripes of the host country's flag blowing across it like the wind, and a player doing what is known in soccer circles as a 'scissor kick'. Below, in the lower right corner, is written "FIFA World Cup - South Africa 2010." The denomination R2 completes the design.
Come 2007, SA Mint won't be permitted by law to sell these coins. In South Africa, only coin dealers are allowed to sell previous years' issues at an additional premium determined by supply and demand factors.
Demand for Fifa world cup coins could cause a significant appreciation in the retail sectors.
Billions of television viewers, an estimated three million international visitors and the world's sporting media, will all be focused on the 2010 World Cup games in South Africa.
Collectors of World Cup memorabilia are likely to seek these coins in order to take back to their respective countries a piece of South Africa, and hopefully a great soccer experience.
A limited Edition of 5000 pieces was struck in sterling silver and 2000 in gold.
I'm not sure how many were sold to individuals and dealers by SA Mint. It could be that fewer are in the hands of individuals and dealers.
Each coin comes with a certificate of authenticity.
In 2010, South Africa will host the FIFA Football World Cup. This will be the first time that the world's premier sporting event takes place in Africa.
As part of the FIFA coin programme, the South African Reserve Bank granted the issuing of an official commemorative sterling silver crown size coin and a half-ounce 24 carat gold counterpart.
The coin design is characterised by the German eagle and the South African bird of prey, the secretary bird. This, according to SA Mint depicts the transfer of the FIFA World Cup from Germany to South Africa.
The coin also features the SA world cup logo - itself an African map, with the stripes of the host country's flag blowing across it like the wind, and a player doing what is known in soccer circles as a 'scissor kick'. Below, in the lower right corner, is written "FIFA World Cup - South Africa 2010." The denomination R2 completes the design.
Come 2007, SA Mint won't be permitted by law to sell these coins. In South Africa, only coin dealers are allowed to sell previous years' issues at an additional premium determined by supply and demand factors.
Demand for Fifa world cup coins could cause a significant appreciation in the retail sectors.
Billions of television viewers, an estimated three million international visitors and the world's sporting media, will all be focused on the 2010 World Cup games in South Africa.
Collectors of World Cup memorabilia are likely to seek these coins in order to take back to their respective countries a piece of South Africa, and hopefully a great soccer experience.
A limited Edition of 5000 pieces was struck in sterling silver and 2000 in gold.
I'm not sure how many were sold to individuals and dealers by SA Mint. It could be that fewer are in the hands of individuals and dealers.
Each coin comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Hyper inflation puts paid to Zimbabwe coins
By Tula Dlamini.
The Zimbabwe proof set coins issued in 1980 embody the political harvest that was anticipated when, in the same year, the country attained its political independence from Britain.
The Royal Mint in London described these proof coins as "supreme examples of the art of coin making."
According to the London Mint, the dies on this particular set is "ultra-crisp and the flat surfaces are polished with diamond paste to a mirror finish".
Unfortunately, the post-independence generation of Zimbabweans may never get to know about this numismatic legacy. Rampant inflation and the collapse of the once robust economy has resulted in the withdrawal of coin money.
Instead, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe introduced into circulation emergency currency in the form of a series of Traveler's Cheques. Subsequently, travelers cheques were replaced by Bearer Cheques.
This is a sad story for a country whose currency in 1980 was worth more than the US currency - about $1.50 against the Zimbabwean dollar.
In May 2006, Zimbabwe's hyper-inflation surged to a high of 1,193.5% compared to 7% in 1980.
Images on Zimbabwe coins epitomise the hope and optimism that accompanied the advent of independence.
For example - the twenty cent coin depicts one of Zimbabwean's finest pieces of architecture, the Birchenough Bridge.
The bridge was completed in 1935. It was the third longest single-arch suspension bridge in the world at the time.
In 1984 the bridge was widened and strengthened as part of the World Bank's Highway Project One. The village which sprung up next to the bridge has become the centre of a small scale farming area.
The One dollar issue depicts the Zimbabwe Ruins. Many Europeans argued that this architectural feat was beyond local Zimbabweans. It was suggested that ancient Phoenicians, Arabs, Romans or Hebrews had built them. However, the archaeological excavation of Gertrude Caton-Thompson in 1932, confirmed that the ruins had been built by local people. The ruins became a source of great pride for Zimbabweans, to such an extent that they decided to name their country after them.
The fifty cents issue (left) shows the rising sun which is symbolic of independence.
The complete 1980 proof set includes a 1 Cent depicting leaves of the flame lily, the national flower, 5 Cents shows the Hare and 10 Cents has the Baobab tree.
The common obverse in all the 1980 sets is the Zimbabwe soapstone bird, based on a totem found at the Zimbabwe ruins and now in the National Museum.
Under current economic conditions, Zimbabweans are unlikely to experience coin money soon. Producing each of them costs more than the coins' face value.
Serious coin collectors are advised to get these scarce pieces of history while they last.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Nelson Mandela depicted in Somali Coins
By Tula Dlamini
With no proper functioning central government, Somalia remains a country in a state of paralysis.
In the last months of 2000, however, a group of Somalis calling themselves the 'citizen's assembly' met in neighboring Djibouti and elected president Abdiqasim Salad Hassan and a new transitional legislature.
Although, the government of both Hassan and the legislature was short-lived, they tried with some success to assert central authority. Somalia issued tri-metal coins with a face value of 250 Shillings depicting South Africa's former President Nelson Mandela as part of the "millenium icon series". This coin is struck in three phases: centre and two rings in brass, alternately plated with silver and gold.
Only 200 pieces of this beautiful and unique tri-metal coin were minted for collectors world-wide.
As the year 2006 comes to an end, events in Somalia are a direct contrast to the peace Mandela symbolizes universally. Battles between the various militia groups and the secular alliance have intensified, leaving hundreds of people killed, thousands displaced from their homes and others wounded — many of them civilians caught in the crossfire of grenades, machine guns and mortars.
In the midst of political impasse in Somalia, the Mandela coin represents the dream of lasting peace - to be pursued until attained.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
PW Botha immortalized in coins.
By Tula Dlamini
I do own a few 1990, 1 rand South Africa proof coins depicting Peter William Botha as Head of State.
Coins are important to those of us who study various aspects of money.
Legal tender coins, and commemorative medals are a means of understanding and archiving history but also can yield good investment returns.
Frankly, I think these proof coins are likely to perform well among coin collectors.
The reason being that if a coin is released and buyers shun it - for whatever reason - that could trigger demand in the future market since not many dealers may have the coin.
However, my explanation has not stopped many from asking, " Why would I add Botha's coins to my collection given the fact he stood accused of heading a state machinery under which up to 20 000 blacks were killed or imprisoned for opposing apartheid rule?"
Indeed under Botha's leadership, young white and black South Africans were by decree, conscripted into the security forces, and made to blew up church property where dissenting Africans met. Countries habouring South African exiles and freedom movements were bombed.
So, why did I add Botha's coins to my collection?
The question reminds me of biblical narrative in which the leaders sent some Pharisees and supporters of Herod to try to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested.
"Teacher," these men said, "we know how honest you are. You are impartial and don't play favorites. You sincerely teach the ways of God. Now tell us--is it right to pay taxes to the Roman government or not?"
He knew that both groups were trying to get him to endorse one position which would offend one of them.
Knowing their malice, Jesus said,"why are you testing me, you hypocrites?"
"Show me the coin that pays the census tax". They handed him the coin.
In those days, the right to mint coins was as is today, an act of sovereignity, and jealously guarded by the government. Kings and rulers from other lands who were linked to the Roman Empire were permitted to issue coins but it was clearly understood that the authority was granted by the Romans. Unauthorised minting of coins was considered an act of treason.
When they handed the coin to Jesus, he asked, "Whose picture and title are stamped on it?". They replied,"it is Caesars".
The inscription read: "Tiberius Caesar Son of the Divine Augustus, Great High Priest". And Jesus said, 'since Caesar's image and inscription were on it, the coin must belong to him'.
At that he said, "Well, then, give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God." - Matthew 22:21.
Jesus' answer simply refers to the de facto existence of Caesar's power, symbolized by Caeser's coinage. Whether Caesar has a right to rule is not touched by the answer. Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:24 is valid here. "No man can serve two masters"
PW Botha was considered a 'master' by many who supported the separate development of people along racial lines. His policy of apartheid was strongly resisted by the black nationalist movement and largely condemned by the International community. The United Nations declared apartheid - a crime against humanity.
A personal encounter with Botha is told by former US Ambassador Edward J. Perkins in his book "Warrior for Peace".
In the book, he describes Botha thus: "He ascended to his position as a ward politician, wielding bicycle chains to make sure that the party people obeyed. He was a toughie who wanted to be respected as a leader".
Ambassador Perkins, a President Ronald Reagan appointee was the first African American to respresent the US government in South Africa. His tour of duty coincided with Botha's presidency.
After leaving power, Botha lived in peace, in De Anker (The Anchor), his Wilderness home. He died peacefully in his sleep at his peaceful lagoon-front home set back among the trees along the bank of the Touws River, Western Cape.
The ruling African National Congress (ANC), an organisation Botha once banned, was first among other political parties to issue a message of condolence to the Botha family.
The unjust reality that Botha's regime epitomised globally, created a culture of resistance that resulted in PEACE and a quest for DEMOCRATIC governance in South Africa. LONG LIVE PEACE, DEMOCRACY AND PROSPERITY
I do own a few 1990, 1 rand South Africa proof coins depicting Peter William Botha as Head of State.
Coins are important to those of us who study various aspects of money.
Legal tender coins, and commemorative medals are a means of understanding and archiving history but also can yield good investment returns.
Frankly, I think these proof coins are likely to perform well among coin collectors.
The reason being that if a coin is released and buyers shun it - for whatever reason - that could trigger demand in the future market since not many dealers may have the coin.
However, my explanation has not stopped many from asking, " Why would I add Botha's coins to my collection given the fact he stood accused of heading a state machinery under which up to 20 000 blacks were killed or imprisoned for opposing apartheid rule?"
Indeed under Botha's leadership, young white and black South Africans were by decree, conscripted into the security forces, and made to blew up church property where dissenting Africans met. Countries habouring South African exiles and freedom movements were bombed.
So, why did I add Botha's coins to my collection?
The question reminds me of biblical narrative in which the leaders sent some Pharisees and supporters of Herod to try to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested.
"Teacher," these men said, "we know how honest you are. You are impartial and don't play favorites. You sincerely teach the ways of God. Now tell us--is it right to pay taxes to the Roman government or not?"
He knew that both groups were trying to get him to endorse one position which would offend one of them.
Knowing their malice, Jesus said,"why are you testing me, you hypocrites?"
"Show me the coin that pays the census tax". They handed him the coin.
In those days, the right to mint coins was as is today, an act of sovereignity, and jealously guarded by the government. Kings and rulers from other lands who were linked to the Roman Empire were permitted to issue coins but it was clearly understood that the authority was granted by the Romans. Unauthorised minting of coins was considered an act of treason.
When they handed the coin to Jesus, he asked, "Whose picture and title are stamped on it?". They replied,"it is Caesars".
The inscription read: "Tiberius Caesar Son of the Divine Augustus, Great High Priest". And Jesus said, 'since Caesar's image and inscription were on it, the coin must belong to him'.
At that he said, "Well, then, give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God." - Matthew 22:21.
Jesus' answer simply refers to the de facto existence of Caesar's power, symbolized by Caeser's coinage. Whether Caesar has a right to rule is not touched by the answer. Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:24 is valid here. "No man can serve two masters"
PW Botha was considered a 'master' by many who supported the separate development of people along racial lines. His policy of apartheid was strongly resisted by the black nationalist movement and largely condemned by the International community. The United Nations declared apartheid - a crime against humanity.
A personal encounter with Botha is told by former US Ambassador Edward J. Perkins in his book "Warrior for Peace".
In the book, he describes Botha thus: "He ascended to his position as a ward politician, wielding bicycle chains to make sure that the party people obeyed. He was a toughie who wanted to be respected as a leader".
Ambassador Perkins, a President Ronald Reagan appointee was the first African American to respresent the US government in South Africa. His tour of duty coincided with Botha's presidency.
After leaving power, Botha lived in peace, in De Anker (The Anchor), his Wilderness home. He died peacefully in his sleep at his peaceful lagoon-front home set back among the trees along the bank of the Touws River, Western Cape.
The ruling African National Congress (ANC), an organisation Botha once banned, was first among other political parties to issue a message of condolence to the Botha family.
The unjust reality that Botha's regime epitomised globally, created a culture of resistance that resulted in PEACE and a quest for DEMOCRATIC governance in South Africa. LONG LIVE PEACE, DEMOCRACY AND PROSPERITY
Sunday, October 29, 2006
The 2006 ‘Cinderella’ has got to be the Ema-Swati gold cultural coin
By Tula Dlamini
The one tenth ounce, 24 carat, pure gold coin, denomination 1 rand, reflects a Swazi bride wearing a traditional bridal outfit which is made up of a toga like garment, called an “emahiya”, colorful beads and an elaborate head-dress, emphasizing Swaziland's rich traditions and heritage.
The coin is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity in which traditional Swazi marriage is described thus: “It is a long process involving several stages namely, “lobola” (payment of marriage dowry usually in the form of cattle), “kumekeza” (weeping of the bride), “kugcotshiswa libovu” (smearing of the bride with red ochre) and “kuteka” (a combination of the last two above). The traditional Swazi wedding or “umtsimba” usually takes place on a weekend in the dry season (June - August) and can take three days to complete with the highlight being the smearing of bride with ochre.”
The Swazi nation was founded by the Dlamini family, who it is said migrated southwards from Central Africa 2000 years ago. There is ancient evidence of humans in Swaziland, in caves along the Lubombo Mountains, especially at Mlawula Nature Reserve, and at the Ngwenya Mines in Malolotja Nature Reserve. Historically, the land was home to nomadic San people, who were later expelled or absorbed by various Nguni, Sotho and Thonga speaking clans.
Crispin and Margaret Pemberton-Pigott have lived in Southern Africa for most of the past 20 years. In their view, the Swazi culture is one of the most complex yet accessible and well preserved in Africa.
“Swaziland's traditional administrative system does not fit into any European model of governance, traditional or modern. Briefly, it is a Diarchy with two Royal Persons, the King and his mother. In the same way that Queen Elizabeth II's husband is not the King of England, the King's wives are not "Queens". There is only one Queen at a time and that is the King’s mother. To Swazis, her powers are virtually equal to the King's.”
“The King rules "in Council" which has no direct European equivalent save perhaps the position of Henry II of 13th century England. The one current similarity, England has no written Constitution and so does Swaziland.”
The Ema-Swati cultural coin from SA Mint is a celebration of the complexity of Swazi culture and its people. The choice of pure gold metal adds to the coin’s intrinsic value.
I secured coin number 228 as a dedication to my identical twin mothers (Martha and Lillian). They are Swazi by virtue of their father Mvemve Duma-ezweni Dlamini, of Swati descent. His parents settled in the former Transkei, South Africa in the late 1800s.
Growing up, I was made to believe Duma escaped apartheid politics in Transkei by migrating to southern Rhodesia. A different story is told by his brothers and other clan members, many of whom can be found in Emazizini, Kwalujiko, Kwantshamanzi imbokothwane, commonly known as Peddy, Eastern Cape. They insist Duma’s exile was self-imposed following a domestic dispute with his father, Zimangele, son of Qhazayaya, over a lost cow.
This Ema-Swati gold coin embodies all these stories told to me and others yet to be told. Another definite smile from the ‘goddess of luck’. “inhlanhla ema-Swati”..
Only a 1000 of these gold coins were minted for collectors worldwide. There are more than 5 million Swazis in Swaziland and in the diaspora.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Nelson Mandela coins enter the numismatic fray
By Tula Dlamini
A first for South Africa. The year 2000, 5 rand coin, with former President Nelson Mandela's face on one side, is the first and only legal tender coin worldwide to feature a smiling statesman on it.
I have collected a handful of these coins to add to my collection, and in some cases have passed them on as gifts to friends and family.
You also have individuals and corporates who have sent them as far field as the United States of America for authentication and certification - and now reselling them as 'investment coins'.
Interestingly, a brisk business is currently taking place around this particular Mandela coin and I must state, this is not illegal.
By the end of December 2006, 'proof-like' Mandela 5 rand coins were trading at an average R10 000.00(about US$1500),through 'bidorbuy' website- Africa's biggest internet market.
A Senior Broker at the South African Coin Corporation, Roelof Potgieter, claims to have sold the Mandela R5 proof coin for R100 000(US $16,700) to an investor in Namibia(Click to read more).
There is no independent confirmation that the Namibian buyer exists, but assuming the sale did take place, S A Coin has calculated the increase on the price of the coin from its face value of R5 to a quantum growth of 1.9 million percent over a period of six years.
SA Coin believes this particular coin is destined to break the R1 million rand (US$166,700) barrier in the years to come. They claim the Mandela proofs they sell have been bought by investors and also collectors from as far afield as Tel Aviv and New York.
Clearly, an excitement has been generated by the probability of an immense profit arising from future sales of the Mandela Coin.
However, I think it is rather problematic when the sellers motivate that the coins they are selling are going to increase in value when the person on these coins passes away someday.
The value of the R5 Mandela coins is continually increasing, partly due to the belief that they are incredibly rare. However, according to the South Africa Mint - "these coins are not as rare as claimed by some dealers".
Natania Van Niekirk - SA Mint Public Relations Officer has shared with me the following information regarding the R5 Coins-mintage figures.
"In the year 2000, 5,2 million Mandela R5 coins were manufactured at the request of the South African Reserve Bank. However, due to a shortage of R5 coins at the end of 2003 resulting from the huge amount of counterfeit coins in circulation, another 1.024 million Mandela's were struck and put into circulation. Of this amount, a couple of thousand brand new coins were used to put into special packaging and sold from SA Mint as proof-like coins".
Going by these figures, there is surely other intrinsic reasons causing the unprecedented appeal for the Mandela Coins.
A first for South Africa. The year 2000, 5 rand coin, with former President Nelson Mandela's face on one side, is the first and only legal tender coin worldwide to feature a smiling statesman on it.
I have collected a handful of these coins to add to my collection, and in some cases have passed them on as gifts to friends and family.
You also have individuals and corporates who have sent them as far field as the United States of America for authentication and certification - and now reselling them as 'investment coins'.
Interestingly, a brisk business is currently taking place around this particular Mandela coin and I must state, this is not illegal.
By the end of December 2006, 'proof-like' Mandela 5 rand coins were trading at an average R10 000.00(about US$1500),through 'bidorbuy' website- Africa's biggest internet market.
A Senior Broker at the South African Coin Corporation, Roelof Potgieter, claims to have sold the Mandela R5 proof coin for R100 000(US $16,700) to an investor in Namibia(Click to read more).
There is no independent confirmation that the Namibian buyer exists, but assuming the sale did take place, S A Coin has calculated the increase on the price of the coin from its face value of R5 to a quantum growth of 1.9 million percent over a period of six years.
SA Coin believes this particular coin is destined to break the R1 million rand (US$166,700) barrier in the years to come. They claim the Mandela proofs they sell have been bought by investors and also collectors from as far afield as Tel Aviv and New York.
Clearly, an excitement has been generated by the probability of an immense profit arising from future sales of the Mandela Coin.
However, I think it is rather problematic when the sellers motivate that the coins they are selling are going to increase in value when the person on these coins passes away someday.
The value of the R5 Mandela coins is continually increasing, partly due to the belief that they are incredibly rare. However, according to the South Africa Mint - "these coins are not as rare as claimed by some dealers".
Natania Van Niekirk - SA Mint Public Relations Officer has shared with me the following information regarding the R5 Coins-mintage figures.
"In the year 2000, 5,2 million Mandela R5 coins were manufactured at the request of the South African Reserve Bank. However, due to a shortage of R5 coins at the end of 2003 resulting from the huge amount of counterfeit coins in circulation, another 1.024 million Mandela's were struck and put into circulation. Of this amount, a couple of thousand brand new coins were used to put into special packaging and sold from SA Mint as proof-like coins".
Going by these figures, there is surely other intrinsic reasons causing the unprecedented appeal for the Mandela Coins.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Little Foot tells a story of our place in nature
By Tula Dlamini
The year 2000 palaeo-anthropology release by SA Mint is my current favorite. The coin features ‘Little Foot’, said to be the most complete hominid fossil ever discovered at the Sterkfointein Caves in South Africa.
In an apparent reference to ‘Little Foot’, an almost mythical tale is told by Heather Dugmore. “It was a terrible accident and it must have been a horrible way to die: to fall down a shaft into a deep, dark cave and to be trapped there for 3.3 million years”.
“After millennia of darkness, Little Foot will return to light,” Heather writes in a article published on 15 October, 2006 by South Africa's Sunday Independent newspaper.
Heather hopes this development to occur around the year 2007 when palaeo-anthropologist Professor Ron Clark raises this world renowned skeleton from its grave. Prof Clark is known for his extraordinary ability to recognize and reassemble ancient bones.
I’m generally inspired by work done by palaeo-anthropologists, their attempt to reconstruct our human ancestry through a sequence of major discoveries relating to four billion years of life on earth.
With the SA Mint issue of the 2 rand legal tender, 24 carat, 1/4 oz gold coin depicting Little Foot,our prehistoric past is revealed – telling us the story of our place in nature.
The obverse side of the coin depicts the old South African Coat of Arms. It comes with a certificate of authenticity and only 1000 pieces were minted.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
A Tutu is as rare as gold, says market leaders
By Tula Dlamini
Like a fish to the hook, I added two Tutus to my collection, the sterling silver 1 rand with a limited mintage of 6000 and the 1/10 ounce 24 carat gold 5 rand, with a mintage of 2000 only.
‘It’s a pot of gold for serious collectors’, said a statement from the South African Gold Exchange, one of the leading numismatic market leaders in the country.
The much celebrated Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu marked his 75th birthday on October 7, 2006. Interestingly, Tutu is depicted in the 2006 Protea coin series in recognition of his 1984 Nobel Peace Prize award.
In the tradition of Chief Albert Luthuli, the first African to win the coveted Nobel award, Tutu became the second South African to be accorded such an honour.
Like his predecessor, Tutu experienced arrests and assassination threats as he led protest marches in search of racial justice during apartheid South Africa. Today he is regarded an outspoken voice of conscience.
When South Africa entered a new democratic dispensation in 1994, Tutu became chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission—a panel that granted amnesty to human rights violators and set a global model for other countries trying to come to terms with legacies of political violence.
A complete Protea series proof set consists of two 24 carat gold coins, a R25 (1 Oz) and a R5 (1/10 Oz), as well as a sterling silver R1 coin.
Word has it that the 2007 Protea series depicting South Africa’s Nobel Peace Prize winners will be a joint recognition of former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela with the man who many accredit with facilitating the end apartheid, former President Fredrick William De Klerk. Expect me to add the forthcoming 2007 Madiba/De Klerk piece to my collection.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Before President Nelson Mandela, there was Chief Albert Luthuli
My collection - 24 carat gold and Sterling silver depicting Albert Luthuli - Nobel Prize Winner
Originally uploaded by makhezulu.
After an exhausting but interesting day at the Mint SA Coin festival, and having scanned through heaps of numismatic material on display, I was finally looking at a coin that appealed to me personally- the first in the series of Protea Nobel Prize winners, depicting Chief Mvumbi Albert John Luthuli.
I added two pieces to my collection, the sterling silver – limited mintage of 6000 pieces only and a 24 carat gold, I/10 ounce, this even better with a mintage of 1000 pieces.
Luthuli was born in 1898 at Solusi Mission, near Bulwayo. The mission, which is now a University, was named after a respected local leader Soluswe.
My father told me of a legend, that in 1884, during the first so called ‘Matebele uprising’ against British colonial domination in Southern Rhodesia, missionaries from the Seventh Day Advertist Church, who being pursued by the Matebele warriors, sought refuge with the man they knew and trusted. His name was Soluswe – close confidant of Albert’s parents, John Luthuli, and Matonya Gumede.
Soluswe begot Wabayi, who upon getting married to Dickson Mbanje Moyo begot my father Dennis Mqanjelwa and two younger brothers, Joel and Nelson.
When Albert Luthuli’s father died, he and his mother left Solusi Mission for Groutville in KwaDukuza (Stanger), Natal, South Africa, where they were cared for by Martin Luthuli, Albert's uncle, who was at that time the elected chief of the Christian Zulus inhabiting the Umvoti Mission Reserve.
After his uncle's death, Albert accepted the chieftaincy of the Groutville reserve, not least because he was considered a member of a royal family by the christian Zulus, but through an election process.
In 1945, Chief Albert Luthuli joined the African National Congress (ANC) and the following year he joined the Natives Representative Council, set up in 1936 to act in an advisory basis to four white senators who provided parliamentary 'representation' for the entire Black African population.
The Council was later abolished by the government.
In 1952 Chief Luthuli was one of the leading lights behind the Defiance Campaign – a non-violent protest against the pass laws.
The Apartheid government was annoyed and Luthuli was given the choice of renouncing his membership of the ANC or face being removed from his position as tribal chief – a post that was supported and paid for by the government.
Luthuli refused to resign from the ANC and for that the aparthied government stripped him of his chieftainship.
In 1956 he was arrested together with tens of other people accused of high treason. He was released for 'lack of evidence'.
In 1960, following the Sharpeville Massacre, Luthuli led the call for protest.He publicly burned his pass book, an event that led to his detention on 30 March under the 'State of Emergency' declared by the South African government. More than 18,000 people were arrested in a series of police raids.
On release he was confined by the aparthied state decree to his home in Stanger, Natal.
In 1961, Luthuli was awarded the 1960 Nobel Prize for Peace for his part in the anti-Apartheid struggle.
Chief Albert Luthuli remained president-general of the ANC until on 21 July 1967, and whilst out walking near his home, he was hit by a train and died. He was supposedly crossing the railway line at the time. This explanation is contested by many of his followers who believe more sinister forces were at work.
Read more on Chief Albert Luthuli
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Luthuli
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Legal tender coins, medallions and tokens - the difference
The collection and study of coins, medals, and related objects such as cheques, credit cards and similar paper as works of art and as sources of information is called numismatics.
These objects often preserve old forms of writing, portraits of eminent persons, design or an inscription commemorating an event or a person.
However, while related to numismatics proper, coin-like objects and other items used in place of legal currency or for commemoration belong to a sub-category called exonumia.
Click here for more on the difference between tender coins, medals and tokens.
htm
Monday, September 25, 2006
Venus transits the Sun
By Tula Dlamini
One of my valued coins is the commemorative medallion, struck to celebrate the transit of Venus, observed from South Africa on 8 June 2004.
Venus makes two passes across the sun, eight years apart, every 122 years. The next transit will be in 2012. Prior to 2004, no living person had witnessed this rare occassion which last occured in 1882.
The Venus commemoratition coin is as rare as the 'transits' in that only 160 pieces were minted by the Gold Reef City Mint in Johannesburg. These medallion coins were distributed to identified individuals who included astronomers from across the globe and others.
The coin marked the pioneering research done on "cosmic dust" at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, and also celebrated the occasion of the University's Senior Lecturer in Applied Mathematics and Astronomy, Prof. David Block’s 50th birthday.
I was a recipient of coin number 75 and thanks to Prof. Block who nominated me for the award. His message to me; "even the sky is no limit...keep dreaming."
Addressing the coin recipients at a dinner held at Sun City, South Africa, Reserve Bank Governor, Tito Mboweni echoed the following remark: "If economists could predict economic trends the same way astromers have mastered the movement of the solar system...it would be much easier to resolve economic problems"
Medallion Obverse
The obverse shows the symbolic transit of Venus, using a Sable Antelope (first discovered not far from the Pilanesburg in South Africa) charging across the Sun, which is shown just above the horizon, during the early morning time of the transit. The horizon line represents the flat horizon of the savannah, perhaps the most famous landscape of South Africa and has been positioned to represent the path of Venus across the face of the Sun, relative to the edge of the medallion. A typical African tree emphasizes the horizon line, which depicts (not to scale) a silhouette of Venus on the line of transit. The main text is “Venus Transits the Sun,” while in the disc of the Sun is the Latin inscription “Soli Deo Gloria” which means “To God alone be the Glory.”
Beneath the horizon is an African proverb, “Walala Wasala”. This phrase means “You snooze, you lose!”
The date “8 June 2004” and “South Africa” also appear.
Medallion Reverse
Mary Cummings and her role in the previous transit of Venus, is the theme of the reverse of the medallion.
Her image is displayed against a background of the paths of previous and future transits. Mary was a teacher at the Huguenot Seminary for girls in Wellington, South Africa. She was a member of the class of 1876 at Mt. Holyoke Seminary in Massachusetts (USA) and moved to Wellington, South Africa, to teach in 1877.
In 1882, just in time for the transit of Venus, the 6” Fitz refractor telescope that Mary had used as a student at Mt. Holyoke was moved to Wellington and set up by the Astronomer Royal at the Cape, Sir David Gill.
Mary Cummings symbolizes the essential role played by women in astronomy, and is particularly famous for her observations of the last transit of Venus in South Africa on December 6, 1882.
The medallion was generously sponsored by the Anglo American Chairman’s Fund. The original was designed by Bruce G Elmegreen (CEO of IBM-USA) and modified by Tommy Sasseen, the die sinker who designed the Kruger Rand.
One of my valued coins is the commemorative medallion, struck to celebrate the transit of Venus, observed from South Africa on 8 June 2004.
Venus makes two passes across the sun, eight years apart, every 122 years. The next transit will be in 2012. Prior to 2004, no living person had witnessed this rare occassion which last occured in 1882.
The Venus commemoratition coin is as rare as the 'transits' in that only 160 pieces were minted by the Gold Reef City Mint in Johannesburg. These medallion coins were distributed to identified individuals who included astronomers from across the globe and others.
The coin marked the pioneering research done on "cosmic dust" at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, and also celebrated the occasion of the University's Senior Lecturer in Applied Mathematics and Astronomy, Prof. David Block’s 50th birthday.
I was a recipient of coin number 75 and thanks to Prof. Block who nominated me for the award. His message to me; "even the sky is no limit...keep dreaming."
Addressing the coin recipients at a dinner held at Sun City, South Africa, Reserve Bank Governor, Tito Mboweni echoed the following remark: "If economists could predict economic trends the same way astromers have mastered the movement of the solar system...it would be much easier to resolve economic problems"
Medallion Obverse
The obverse shows the symbolic transit of Venus, using a Sable Antelope (first discovered not far from the Pilanesburg in South Africa) charging across the Sun, which is shown just above the horizon, during the early morning time of the transit. The horizon line represents the flat horizon of the savannah, perhaps the most famous landscape of South Africa and has been positioned to represent the path of Venus across the face of the Sun, relative to the edge of the medallion. A typical African tree emphasizes the horizon line, which depicts (not to scale) a silhouette of Venus on the line of transit. The main text is “Venus Transits the Sun,” while in the disc of the Sun is the Latin inscription “Soli Deo Gloria” which means “To God alone be the Glory.”
Beneath the horizon is an African proverb, “Walala Wasala”. This phrase means “You snooze, you lose!”
The date “8 June 2004” and “South Africa” also appear.
Medallion Reverse
Mary Cummings and her role in the previous transit of Venus, is the theme of the reverse of the medallion.
Her image is displayed against a background of the paths of previous and future transits. Mary was a teacher at the Huguenot Seminary for girls in Wellington, South Africa. She was a member of the class of 1876 at Mt. Holyoke Seminary in Massachusetts (USA) and moved to Wellington, South Africa, to teach in 1877.
In 1882, just in time for the transit of Venus, the 6” Fitz refractor telescope that Mary had used as a student at Mt. Holyoke was moved to Wellington and set up by the Astronomer Royal at the Cape, Sir David Gill.
Mary Cummings symbolizes the essential role played by women in astronomy, and is particularly famous for her observations of the last transit of Venus in South Africa on December 6, 1882.
The medallion was generously sponsored by the Anglo American Chairman’s Fund. The original was designed by Bruce G Elmegreen (CEO of IBM-USA) and modified by Tommy Sasseen, the die sinker who designed the Kruger Rand.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Collecting coins
Image by googleI collect coins as a hobby and depending on the integrity of one's collection, this practice can be high on satisfaction and also on returns.
Every year, Mint Presses world over issue millions of coins per denomination. But very few of these coins are worth more than their metal or face value. Most often, the “valuable” coins are the ones that were issued in proof quality or very low mintages.
At the South African Mint, circulation coin manufacturing is an automated, high-speed process as distinct from the proof coin manufacturing process which is labor intensive.
Rarity of a coin is relative to demand and supply factors. This means that the value of a particular coin is influenced to a large extent by how many coins are in the hands of dealers and by the the number of collectors who want the coin.
Read more on:
http://www.samint.co.za/CoinCollection/FAQ.asp
http://www.samint.co.za/CollectorCoins/ProofCoins.asp
http://lynncoins.com/proofcoin_article.htm
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