As some of us return to work and the rest continue to play their part to help curb the spread of the Coronavirus by staying at home, we urge you all to stay safe and healthy. We would like to reiterate a few important notes, and offer you answers to questions you might have during these uncertain times. We would also like to help you keep the little ones busy during the national lockdown.
We produces large quantities of legal tender circulation coins that are made available and accessible to the public at face value. From time to time, commemorative circulation coins are also issued as part of the South African Reserve Banks’ currency production function. These coins are issued to commemorate a person or an event that has had a significant impact on society such as the commemorative R5 and R2 circulation coins issued in 2019 to commemorate 25 years of South Africa’s constitutional democracy, or the R5 Nelson Mandela circulation coin issued in 2008 to celebrate the former president’s 90th birthday.
These commemorative circulation coins are ‘normal’ circulation coins that form part of all the other coins already in circulation, and they all, whether ‘normal’ or commemorative, are only worth their face value.
Remember if you receive a coin as change, it is a circulation coin despite what is depicted on it, and is only worth its face value – a R5 is only worth R5 and a R2 is only worth R2.
Click here to see some of South Africa’s commemorative circulation coins
See South African Mint lockdown FAQ’s In light of the growing COVID-19 pandemic and the national lockdown announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the South African Mint retail shop has been closed, and museum tours cancelled until further notice.
We understand that you might have questions about the accessibility and operations of the Mint during this time, so we have compiled the following FAQs to keep you informed and allay any concerns you might have:
Q: It’s April and we were supposed to be hosting the Mint Directors’ Conference. What will happen now?
A: The Mint Directors’ Conference has been postponed to November 2020. Details will be shared closer to the time.
Q: What do I tell a friend who is looking to order coins during lockdown?
A: You are welcome to refer your friend to our website where they can place an order or make an enquiry, however the price will only be confirmed when we reopen due to the current commodity and exchange rate volatility.
Q: When will the Mint re-open?
A:The Mint will re-open on Friday, 01 May for essential staff to come in and prepare to resume operations on Monday, 04 May. All other staff will return on Monday, 04 May, unless agreed with their line manager.
Q: What will happen when I return to work from lockdown?
A: You will be required to complete a health questionnaire before you enter the Reception area, and the scanning and isolation procedures currently in place will continue.
Note: Please do not come to work if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, eg. fever, a dry cough, headache, sore throat or trouble breathing.
Q: What should I do if I was tested for Covid-19 during lockdown?
A: Contact the SARB COVID-19 hot line on 079 510 3706. You can also call the security control room on 012 677 2403 or 2404 and the officer on duty will direct your call to the Clinic Sister on duty.
Q: I’m feeling a bit anxious about this pandemic and returning to work, who can I speak to?
A: A dedicated email address, covid19queries@samint.co.za, has been created to give employees the opportunity to ask questions regarding COVID-19 and how the Mint is responding.
You can also contact our dedicated employee wellness program ICAS using one of the following methods:
Toll free number: 0800 611 058
Request a call back: *134*905#
Remember this service is applicable to you and those who live under your roof
Click here for a list of useful numbers and contact details.
The Archosauria – crocodiles, pterosaurs, dinosaurs and birds – or the ruling reptiles, were magnificent beasts which ruled over the land and sky for 180 million years.
In 2018, the South African Mint issued the first ‘Rise of the dinosaurs – Archosauria’ themed coins in gold, followed by a single silver coin every year since.
We also created a fun colouring book for in celebration of this theme – download below and provide hours of fun and learning for the children during this lockdown period
