SOUTH AFRICA: PRESIDENT MANDELA'S FACE ON GOLD MEDALLIONS

Описание: (20 Sep 1995) English/Nat

President Nelson Mandela has notched up another first in his country's history - becoming the first black South African to appear on a coin.

The coin commemorates Mandela's inauguration as the country's first black president last year.

Another day, another first for South African President Nelson Mandela.

This time the statesman will be the first black South African to have his image sealed in gold.

The South African mint is running a limited edition of 99 five-ounce gold medallions bearing Mandela's face.

He was at the mint Tuesday to launch the coin.

In front of a mixed race audience, the South African president marked the first of the gold coins.

Seventy-four of the coins will go on to the international market. The 25 earmarked for South Africa have already been sold.

Lower down the price scale, 4-thousand, 9-hundred and ninety nine - one ounce gold coins will sell for 930 U-S dollars each, with proceeds going to a charity that provides education for poor children.

The mint has also made 10-thousand five ounce silver coins at 130 U-S dollars each and - for those on a more limited budget - there's an unlimited edition of bronze coins. Yours for 30 U-S dollars each.

Mandela's appearance on the coin is another triumph for the man who did most to destroy apartheid. The only previous faces to appear on South African coins have been those of white presidents.

A new series of Mandela medallions will be made available each year from 1997.

But there'll be no danger of repetition. Each year the reverse side will be changed to depict a different South African theme.

The president says he's pleased poor kids' schooling will benefit from U-S sales of the coin:

SOUND BITE: (English)
"And believe me when I say that this is worth far more to me than it could be any collector. This is because it not only engraves in gold the dawning of a new era for the people of South Africa but also because the proceeds for the sale of the medallion will go towards a cause which is very close to my heart - that of re-establishing a culture of learning in South Africa."
SUPER CAPTION: President Nelson Mandela

But Mandela's face is unlikely to be passing hands in general circulation in the near future. It is a tradition in South Africa that the image of serving heads of state are not used on currency.

Mandela's face will only be used on coins in circulation a year after he retires or dies. And then only if cabinet agrees.

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