The South African Mint is a widely respected institution with an international reputation for first-rate craftsmanship, coin quality, and customer service.
The Republic of South Africa separated from the British Commonwealth in 1962. The South African Mint continued to manufacture coins reminiscent of British coins until 1965 when it decided that the British coinage was too large to emulate.
In the 1980s, the government deregulated state activities and privatized the South African Mint. The South African Reserve Bank has held the South African Mint since September 1988.
Between 1990 and 1992, the South African Mint continued to flourish, culminating in the opening of a new facility in Centurion, Gauteng Province. From this location, the South African Mint produces coins and processes bullion.
In addition to minting all coins in South African circulation, the South African Mint has international operations. It offers coin blanks and coins for circulation in various countries throughout Africa.
Popular Mint Products
The Krugerrands are some of the most popular coins from the South African Mint. Introduced in 1967, Krugerrands are prized as collector’s pieces for their beauty and unique coloring but are also valued by investors for their metal content.
Investors and collectors enjoy the variety of metals this famed design is produced in. The 1 oz Gold Krugerrand and 1/10 oz Gold Krugerrands represent many South African Mint buyers. The 1 oz Silver Krugerrand and more recent 1 oz Platinum Proof Krugerrand showcase the series’ range, allowing a variety of investors to get involved.
The Krugerrand pays homage to former South African President Paul Kruger, not only with his image but also in his name. Krugerrand comes from the combination of Kruger and rand, South Africa’s currency.
Honoring Their Past
As the world’s first modern gold bullion coin, the South African Krugerrand is one of the world’s most widely recognized and commonly traded coins. The design honors both the South African President Paul Kruger and the country’s national animal, the springbok antelope. The simple, elegant design keeps this coin timeless and loved around the world, whether produced in gold, silver, or platinum.
Production Technology
The South African Mint represents the most up-to-date coin production methodology. Like most other organizations, it has had to adjust to new technology but has never turned its back on traditional practices, using tried-and-true modeling and die-sinking practices. New technology may help mints move faster, but the South African Mint remains dedicated to its faith in skill and craftsmanship.
The South African Mint has a strong history of beautiful coins. While they produce the Gold Krugerrand, often considered one of the most beautiful gold coins in the world, they also won Krause Publications’ Gold Coin of the Year Award for their 2009 Gold 100 Rand White Rhino coin. The exceptional beauty combined with the high purity makes gold coins from the South African Mint favorites around the world.
