The Protea coin series was initially introduced in 1986 to commemorate South Africa's historical events. In 1999 the focus shifted to the economic industries in South Africa - the first being the mining industry. In 2000 the Wine Industry, as one of South Africa's oldest industries, is honored on this 22 carat coin series.

 

Right: The Democracy Coin is Part of the 2004 Protea Series launched by SA Mint to celebrate 10 years of democracy.

 

Soccer, which is one of South Africa's most popular sports, was selected as the theme for the 2002 Protea coin series. The coin was produced to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Bafana Bafana (South African's national team), as well as in recognition of their qualification for the Soccer World Cup in 2002 in Korea.

The Natura coin series consisting of the Lion, Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo and Cheetah has established itself as one of the most renowned modern proof coin series in the world. Several international awards this popular coin series has received since it was first issued in 1994 has reinforced its appeal to collectors and animal lovers.
The Natura is minted in 24 carat gold and is available in 1 oz, ½ oz, ¼ oz and 1/10 oz coins.

 

The “Monarchs of Africa” theme was introduced from 1999 to 2001. This includes three species of South African antelope, namely the Kudu as King of the Antelope, the Sable as Queen of the Antelope and the Oryx (Gemsbok) as Prince of the Kalahari.

 

In 2002, The “Wild Cats of Africa” theme was introduced. The Cheetah was the first of the wild cats to be featured. Others included in this collection are the Lion - The Pride of Africa, and the Caracal - African Lynx.

In 2005 the Natura 24 carat gold coins featured the first theme in the “Giants of Africa” series, the Hippopotamus. In 2006, the second giant, the Giraffe was introduced to the series.

 

 

During 1890 - 91, a lease was granted to the Nasionale Bank of the Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR) to establish a State Mint in Pretoria. The coins were to be identical in weight with the prescription of the British Coinage Act of 1870. President Paul Kruger, anxious to get the new coins in circulation had placed orders for coins dated 1892 with the Berlin Imperial Mint.Kruger wanted to use the coins to gain popularity in the 1892 elections.

 

The first consignment of pounds, half pounds and crowns arrived with two shafts on the wagon and equal sized front and rear wheels in the coat of arms, as the Berlin Imperial Mint had used the image of a Continental European wagon instead of the Voortrekker wagon. This caused quite a stir and subsequent 1892 pounds and crowns were issued with the correct single shaft wagons and different sized wheels. Further consternation was caused by the Berlin Mint’s 1892 coin issues. As was customary, the designer, Otto Schultz, had placed his initials (O.S.) below the bust of Kruger, which is Afrikaans for "ox”. Kruger’s opponents used this error to imply the coin referred to “Dumb ox Kruger.” The coins were removed from circulation and the new coins no longer featured the engraver’s initials on the Kruger Pounds or Ponde and the wagon on the coat of arms was changed. Krugerrands, today do not feature Otto Schultz’s initials. The single shaft pound and the double shaft crowns minted in 1892 are the scarcer items.

 

Paul Kruger wanted to give the Postmaster General a special gift for his contribution to the development of a postal system in the new ZAR. He authorized the minting of only one 5 shilling gold coin dated 1892 with his portrait on the obverse, and shaved down and engraved a short sentence on the reverse and awarded it to Isaac van Alphern, Postmaster General of the ZAR in recognition of his services on 5 September 1895.