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 2019 Protea - Life of a Legend coin series, which concludes a series of commemorative coins started in 2013.
The South African Mint says about the series:
"The year 2019 celebrates the 25th year of a free and democratic South Africa, and so it is fitting that the legacy left by the first democratically elected President of South Africa is depicted as a conclusion to the series. The Life of a Legend - Nelson Mandela Protea series was introduced in 2013, representing a different chapter of Former South African President, Nelson Mandela’s life on each year’s coin issue.
South Africa’s first democratically elected president served only one term in power from 10 May 1994 to 14 June 1999. He, however, remained active even after his term, seeking peace and social justice in South Africa and around the world. His date of birth, 18 July, was declared ‘Nelson Mandela International Day’ by the United Nations in recognition of his contributions to democracy, freedom, peace and human rights around the world.
On this day, everyone in the world is encouraged to harness their ability to have a positive effect on their community and remember and live the values embraced by Nelson Mandela, which include democracy, freedom, equality, diversity, reconciliation, and respect."
Nelson Mandela passed away at the age of 95 on 5 December 2013. | 
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