South Africa pioneered modern bullion coinage when it first issued the Krugerrand on 3 July 1967 to help market South African gold; it is the first modern bullion coin and is still issued today.
Gradually, the South African Mint started diversifying the range, first by issuing fractional Krugerrands, then by introducing different designs to the gold one-ounce (1 oz) format. These include the Protea series, the Natura series, as well as one-year types that do not fall into a particular series. The Kruggerands retained their specifications (22-carat gold) while other coins issued after 1994 are 99.99% gold; just as the Krugerrand though, they contain exactly one ounce of pure gold or 1oz Absolute Gold Weight (1.000 oz AGW).
This coin was issued as part of the 2015 Protea - Life of a Legend (Early Years in Johannesburg) coin series, which continues a series of commemorative coins, "The life of a legend: Nelson Mandela". Introduced in 2013, a different chapter of Mr Mandela’s life is portrayed annually (his childhood in 2013, his education years in 2014 and his arrival and early years in Johannesburg in 2015).
The 2015 sterling-silver R1 Protea coin symbolises Nelson Mandela’s personal growth and transformation from an inexperienced youth who had run away from his privileged home with the royal family of the Thembu people to seek his fortune in the City of Gold to a young man who came to rely on his inner strength and abilities.
This theme is continued on the 2015 pure-gold R25 (1oz) Protea coin which shows a more mature and self-assured Nelson Mandela as a young man whose evolving views, beliefs and character would eventually lead him to the presidency of a democratic South Africa.
The background design of both coins features some of the names of the former President’s friends and mentors during these difficult years in Johannesburg. They supported him, gave him opportunities, offered guidance, introduced him to new ideas, and acquainted him with the various social and political sectors within Johannesburg society. One of these companions would become a lifelong friend and mentor, Walter Sisulu.
The 2015 pure-gold R5 (1/10oz) Protea coin features a quotation from the speech that Tata Madiba gave at Walter Sisulu’s 90th birthday celebration: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
Nelson Mandela passed away at the age of 95 on 5 December 2013. | 
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