The Vredefort Dome, one of South Africa’s seven World Heritage sites, was the theme for this year’s national coin competition arranged by the South African Mint.   

 The 2007 Heritage coin design competition was held on September 19, 2007.  Members of the public were invited to research the Vredefort Dome and depict it in a new and creative way on a national symbol – a legal tender coin, part of the R2 gold series of coins. 

 Each finalist received the tools and equipment needed to model their design in relief dimension using plasticine.  The models were then evaluated by a totally independent judging panel.  The final tally was audited by the South African Reserve Bank’s auditors.

 Francoise Labuschange, supervisor of The Scoin Shop based in Mandela Square, was among top 10 finalists.   Labuschagne’s design featured four different types of rock sediment as well as the meteor on the inner circle of the coin.   The design depicts four different quadrants representing the four seasons, while the outer circular view is the satellite picture of the Vredefort Dome as viewed from space.

 Alan Demby, executive chairman of the South African Gold Coin Exchange and The Scoin Shop – its retail division -- maintains that Labuschagne’s coin design is one of the most unique designs that were entered.  The winning entry will be featured on a limited edition minted coin.

 South Africa’s world heritage sites to have been featured on the Heritage coin series so far are:

 Because the coins are only available in limited editions, usually only 1 000 per annum, the previous years’ issues already command a scarcity value and are eagerly sought after by new collectors.