OR Tambo R5 coins go into circulation
The R5 coin, acknowledges the leader's contribution to the struggle for equality and inclusiveness.
SOUTH Africans will soon get their hands on the new R5 coins bearing the face of struggle stalwart Oliver Reginald Tambo in the year that he would have turned 100 years old. The Reserve Bank and the South African Mint on Wednesday launched a series of four new commemorative coins honouring the late struggle stalwart. Three of the coins are collectible coins.
The new R5 circulation coin, which is one of the four coins, bears the “Order of the Companions of OR Tambo”, which was instituted in 2002 to honour international Heads of State and eminent people for their friendship to South Africa.
The R5 coin, acknowledges the leader’s contribution to the struggle for equality and inclusiveness.
The reverse of the coin features a neck badge and walking stick. The obverse depicts the national coat of arms, year of issue and ‘South Africa’ written in English and Xitsonga.
In commemorating the birth centenary of OR, SA Mint, subsidiary of SARB, is producing a R5 circulation coin ORTamboCoinLaunch #ORTambo100 pic.twitter.com/LvD9LOSThk
— SA Reserve Bank (@SAReserveBank) October 4, 2017
The symbols reflected on the coin include the Majola (mole snake), which, according to African mythology, embodies friendship, protection and active support. The walking stick signifies support and commitment and the universal yin and yang symbol suggests a meeting point for diverse spiritual energies.
The R5 circulatory coin is worth its face value, said the central bank. The coin came into circulation on 1 October.
Meanwhile, the central bank urged South Africans not to hold on to the circulation coin when they receive them as change as “commemorative coins are made to be appreciated by everyone”.
South African Mint Managing Director Tumi Tshehlo also unveiled the other commemorative coins that depict Tambo during his youth and presidency of the African National Congress (ANC).
The times in the life of OR Tambo depicted by the coins are epochal events in the history of South Africa ORTamboCoinLaunch #ORTambo100 pic.twitter.com/rSioYiRBWZ
— SA Reserve Bank (@SAReserveBank) October 4, 2017
The coins which will be available on what would have been Tambo’s 100th birthday on 27 October 2017 will be accessible for purchase individually and as a set, and can be bought directly from the South African Mint, as well as approved dealers.
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