In South Africa, the R5 Coin works much like a dollar. I’ve used it to buy small treats, pay a small portion of bus fare for short distances, and as tips and donations. Recently, while chatting with a group of new Jozi friends I made in Rosebank; an interesting conversation came up—the value of one of the most common coins in South Africa—the R5 Coin.
Here’s the thing. If you are new to South Africa, you’d think the R5 coin is only good for snacks or a gift to your 9-year-old for snacks. However, the coin, commonly called the South African 5 Rand coin, was first introduced as part of the SARB (South African Reserve Bank) efforts to commemorate the nation’s first black president, Nelson Mandela’s election.
Now, suppose you know anything about South Africa and Africa’s history in general. In that case, Nelson Mandela is one of the greats – and a pivotal personality in South Africa’s independence and rise in Africa. And for that reason, certain R5 coins have become highly sought after by collectors.
Here’s why: Over the years, additional commemorative editions of the R5 coins have been released—these special coins (much different from a regular R5 coin), also known as the R5 Mandela, are deemed rare and collectible.
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Not all R5 Coins Are Worth Money
After understanding the value and historical significance behind the R5 coin, I asked a dumb question (I was later thankful for my ignorance): Are all R5 coins worth money? My hosts were quick to respond—not all are.
Here’s the truth. Recently, a South African Nelson Mandela R5 coin made headlines after it sold for R6,700 ($366). That’s a lot of money for a coin that averagely sells against the dollar for $0.27.
Therefore, not all R5 coins are equal. If anything, the South African Reserve Bank management warned the South African public in 2020 after unveiling the latest R5 coin (celebrating 25 years of democracy) that not R5 coins are collectibles.
South Africa mints millions of R5 coins, which are not rare and are only worth the face value of a typical R5 coin.
Still, each year, South Africa produced collectible coins. These are different from circulation coins (regular coins) and commemorative coins. Collectible coins like the R5 Protea Nelson Mandela have 1/10 oz of gold. The value of that coin is in the precious metal used.
On the other hand, the commemorative coin, like the R5 coin that sold for R6.700, had the letters ‘CW’ engraved, which stands for ‘World Coin’.The coin was minted on an Oom Paul minting press, one of the world’s oldest coin-minting machines (unveiled in 1892). Only 4,000 of their rare R5 CW coins were minted in 2018, making them extremely rare.
What Makes an R5 Coin Valuable?
Like anything in the world that possesses any value, part of its characteristics is worth to the charm. For the R5 South African coins, collectors and investors look for certain things to uphold their value – as you’ve learned above – not all R5 coins hold value.
The following are characteristics of an R5 coin that make it valuable:
Rarity: It’s a no-brainer that limited edition coins hold more value than circulation coins. For example, the R5 Mandela coin made in 2018 sold for R6,700 because only 4,000 were produced. It’s worth more to a collector than regular circulation editions produced in millions.
Condition: The cleaner the coin, the more value it will hold. Generally, R5 coins in good condition (without cosmetic wear) are worth between R100 and R200; poor-quality coins cost less.
Demand: The higher the demand for an R5 coin, the more it’ll fetch. Commemorative and collectible coins are in great demand from collectors and investors and will usually cost more than the regular R5 coin.
Historical Significance: The Commemorative Nelson Mandela R5 coins have a lot of historical significance, not only to South Africa and the continent at large but to the entire world—it was a monumental leap in Africa’s democracy, and as such, it holds historical significance that adds additional value to the coin.
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South African R5 Coins That Are Valuable
As stated, not all South African R5 coins are valuable. However, specific releases hold more value than regular circulation coins. If you are a collector looking for these coins, we’ll discuss the most valuable in this section.
The 2000 Mandela R5 Coin
The 2000 Mandela R5 coin is one of the most valuable R5 coins in South Africa among collectors. The South African Reserve Bank released this coin to honor its great leader, Nelson Mandela, and his legacy. As expected, this coin was released in limited quantities, making it very rare. The 2000 Mandela R5 coin costs a few thousand rand in the South African collectors market.
Mint Year: 2000
Market Value: Up to R2000.
The 2008 Mandela 90th Birthday R5 Coin
The 2008 Mandela 90th Birthday R5 Coin was released to honor Nelson Mandela and celebrate the pivotal leader’s 90th birthday. Although this coin was released in larger quantities than the 2000 coin, it is still highly sought-after, especially if in its uncirculated condition.
Mint Year: 2008
Market Value: R100 – R1,500 depending on the condition.
Features: Nelson Mandela’s profile with the “90th birthday” engraved.”
The 2011 90th Anniversary of SARB R5 Coin
The South African Reserve Bank released this commemorative coin in 2011 to mark its 90th anniversary. Although it was released in relatively limited numbers, it has become quite popular among coin collectors in South Africa over the years.
Mint Year: 2011
Market Value: R100 – R1,200.
Features: Special anniversary design and a SARB emblem.
The 2014 20 Years of Democracy R5 Coin
The 2014 20 Years of Democracy R5 Coin was produced to celebrate two decades of democracy in South Africa. This special coin, released in 2014, featured unique design elements that appealed to collectors and citizens of national pride. This coin is not as rare as the above, but it holds historical significance in South Africa.
Mint Year: 2014
Market value: R50 – R500, depending on the coin’s condition.
Distinctive Features: “20 years of Freedom” inscription and South African national emblems.
Determining the value of Valuable Coins
Not all valuable R5 coins hold the same value. Uncirculated coins are the most valuable. Therefore, if you are in the market for such rare coins, it is important to check for the coin’s condition, the year and design, and errors. If you are unsure of the coin, it is best to consult an experienced coin dealer or collector.