Catalans receive coveted Mandela centenary coins
Centurion, South Africa – May 2018: If the social chatter, print column centimetres and airtime on broadcast media were any indication, FC Barcelona were clear winners even before the kick off. The Catalans, who were in the country for the day, played against Mamelodi Sundowns as part of the Nelson Mandela Centenary Celebrations at the FNB Stadium.
They walked away with the 2018 Mandela Centenary Cup Trophy after beating the Brazilians 3-1 and some Madiba magic in the form of new collectable Mandela centenary coins, issued by the South African Mint.
The entire 22 man squad were gifted the full set of commemorative coins honouring the global icon of hope, healing and humanity Nelson Mandela. The Catalans received a 1 oz pure gold R500 proof coin, 1 oz sterling silver R50 proof coin, the bronze alloy R50 coin and a proof version of the circulation R5 coin (which will go into circulation in July 2018).
The Brazilians received the bronze alloy R50 coin.
Each coin in the range is designed to illustrate the seasons in Mandela’s life, portraying him at different ages and come packaged in alluring ‘coin blister’ envelopes which bear endearing images of Mandela over the years.
The new coins are the second installation in the “Celebrating South Africa” theme, through which the Mint celebrates milestones and symbols of South Africa’s freedom, democracy and culture. The first coin series in this theme was the 2017 OR Tambo Centenary range.
“Given how much Madiba loved soccer, it is only fitting that the visitors participate in our celebrations and have a memory of it through the commemorative coins. This is probably the Catalans most “historic” win,” says Tumi Tsehlo, MD, South African Mint.
2018 marks the centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela and provides a unique opportunity for people around the world to reflect on his life and times and to promote his legacy.
According to the SA Mint, the purpose of the series “Celebrating South Africa” is to educate and provide a historical perspective on SA’s struggle icons without whose efforts, bravery and self-sacrifice the fight against minority rule would not be sustained. The inaugural coin in the range featured Mandela’s comrade-in-struggle OR Tambo marking his birth centenary last year.
