Mandela coins and medallions are kept in many South African homes. Some are worth little more than face value, some are worth their gold or silver content, and a few are worth more to collectors. This guide explains the difference, and how to sell them.
Mandela coins and Mandela medallions are not the same thing
A coin is legal tender issued by the South African Mint and has a face value, such as R5. A medallion is a commemorative piece made by a private company. It is not legal tender and has no face value, so its value depends on its metal content and on what a buyer is willing to pay for it.
Mandela R5 coins from your change
The South African Mint issued R5 circulation coins featuring Nelson Mandela, including a 2008 coin for his 90th birthday and a 2018 coin for the centenary of his birth. Because they were made in large numbers for everyday use, most R5 Mandela coins found in change are worth close to face value.
Coins that were never circulated, proof coins and boxed sets sold by the Mint can be worth more, especially in their original packaging with certificates. Condition matters a great deal, so do not clean or polish coins before you have them assessed.
Gold and silver Mandela coins and medallions
Gold and silver commemoratives are first valued on their precious metal content: the weight and purity of the gold or silver they contain. Some carry an additional collector premium, but, as Business Report warned buyers in 2012, resale prices for medallions are usually well below what they cost new, because they were sold at retail prices far above their metal value.
- Check whether it is solid or plated. Some pieces sold as “gold” are gold-plated or gold-coloured base metal. We test every piece with an XRF analyser, which does not damage it, to confirm the gold content.
- Keep the box and certificate. Original packaging and certificates help with identification and can add to collector value.
- Know the metal value. Our live gold price per gram page shows today’s gold, silver and platinum prices, which gives you a baseline.
Quick guide to what you may have
| Item | What usually decides its value |
|---|---|
| R5 Mandela coin from circulation | Usually close to face value |
| Uncirculated, proof or boxed Mint issue | Condition, packaging and collector demand |
| Gold Mandela coin or medallion | Gold content first, then collector demand |
| Silver Mandela coin or medallion | Silver content first, then collector demand |
| Gold-plated or base-metal medallion | Little or no metal value |
Where to sell Mandela coins and medallions
Zeek Gold buys Mandela coins, gold and silver medallions and other South African coins at our Alberton and Springs branches (9am to 5pm daily, walk-ins welcome), at our Sandton and Cape Town branches by appointment, and by insured courier from anywhere in South Africa.
We assess each piece, explain what it is worth and why, and do not deduct any commission or evaluation fees. You are under no obligation to sell. For other coins, see our coin buyers and Krugerrand pages.
Frequently asked questions
Are Mandela R5 coins worth anything?
Most Mandela R5 coins found in change are worth close to face value because they were made in large numbers for circulation. Uncirculated, proof and boxed Mint issues can be worth more.
Is a Mandela medallion legal tender?
No. Medallions are made by private companies and have no face value. They are valued on their metal content and on collector demand.
Where can I sell Mandela coins?
Zeek Gold buys Mandela coins and gold and silver medallions at its Alberton, Springs, Sandton and Cape Town branches and by insured courier, with no commission or evaluation fees.
