This year South Africa celebrates 25 years of democracy and to mark the occasion the South African Mint has collaborated with five South African artists to design a new collection of coins that celebrate the fundamental human rights enshrined in the constitution. Fittingly, the coins were launched on at Constitution Hill (June 5).
The first coins in the 25 Years of Democracy collection go into circulation in June, South Africa’s Youth Month and the first two coins, designed by Neo Mahlangu, honour the protection of children’s rights and the right to education.
There are five R2 coins in the new collection which will go into national circulation in June, July and August. Graffiti and tattoo artist Rasty Knayles’ R2 coin celebrates the right to freedom of movement and residence, Maaike Bakker’s R2 coin honours the right to access essential natural resources such as water and Peter Mammes has designed a coin to celebrate freedom of religion, belief and opinion.
In August the final coin in the SA25 collection, a R5 coin by contemporary art rock star Lady Skollie, enters circulation. Marked with the line from the South African national anthem ‘ Let us Live and Strive for Freedom’, the design is inspired by the long snaking queues that were seen at the first democratic election in 1994 with a stylisation that pays homage to ancient San rock art.
Look out for the new coins in your change in the coming months and pay a visit to Coin World, the SA Mint Museum in Midrand to see how the coins themselves are made. At the SA Mint you can also buy the full range of limited edition collectable SA25 coins which also includes a commemorative R500 pure gold coin designed by Shaun Gaylard and engraved with the silhouette of the Constitutional Court building in Joburg.