2006 - Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu 3 coin set
The 2006 Protea coin series depicts Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. He played a leading role both in the struggle against apartheid and in helping to oversee its demise, as well as in helping his country come to terms with apartheid's bitter legacy. His clear standpoints and his fearless attitude have made his name a unifying symbol for all groups of freedom campaigners in Africa. This charismatic man is a true humanitarian in every respect and he rejoices in the human spirit.
Archbishop Tutu was born in 1931 in Klerksdorp, North West Province. His father was a teacher and he himself was educated at the Johannesburg Bantu High School. After leaving school he trained first as a teacher at the Pretoria Bantu Normal College and in 1954 he graduated from the University of South Africa with a BA degree. After three years as a high school teacher he began to study theology, being ordained as a priest in 1960. The years from1962 to 1966 were devoted to further theological study in England leading up to a Master of Theology qualification. From 1967 to 1972 he taught theology in South Africa before returning to England for three years as the assistant director of a theological institute in London. In 1975 he was appointed Dean of St. Mary's Cathedral in Johannesburg, the first black person to hold that position. From 1976 to 1978 he was Bishop of Lesotho and in 1978 became the first black General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches.
On 11 December 1984 Archbishop Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, in recognition of his nonviolent campaign to limit international trade and investment activities in South Africa. The Archbishop established the Southern African Refugee Scholarship Fund with his Nobel Peace Prize Fund, enabling disadvantaged students to further their studies.
He became Bishop of Johannesburg in 1985, Archbishop of Cape Town and head of the Anglican Church in Southern Africa in 1986. After retiring as Archbishop in 1996 he became Chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa and presided over the traumatic revelation of the secrets of apartheid. Archbishop Tutu married Leah Nomalizo in 1955 and they have four children. They celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on 9 July 2005.
BACKGROUND ON THE SERIES
Due to the popularity of the Krugerrand, a second gold collectors coin, the PROTEA series was introduced by the South African Mint in 1986. The King Protea is portrayed on the obverse of the coin while the reverse themes change annually. Arthur Sutherland, chief die-sinker of the South African Mint modeled the popular design. In 1988 three different Protea coins were issued and the Protea Repens (Sugarbush), Surruria Florida (Blushing Bride) and Protea Multibraetaeta (Bearded Protea) were chosen.
Since the year 1989, the King Protea has appeared on the obverse of the Protea coin series. Initially, the coins were issued in 22 carat gold, but since 1997, the gold Protea coins have been issued in 24 carat gold. Important social issues have been portrayed on the reverse of these popular coins since 1996. Protea coins are available in proof quality 1 oz and 1/10th oz pure gold as well as R1 sterling silver (1 oz). Like all proof coins, these artistic pieces have a limited yearly mintage and have become a much sought after series by international coin collectors
The first Protea coin was minted in 1986. Since 1999 the theme of these popular coins has paid tribute to various South African industries. The Mining Industry was the first theme in 1999, followed by the Wine Industry in 2000 and the Tourism Industry in 2001. As in the case of its predecessors, the 2003 Protea coins consists of 1 oz (R25) and 1/10 oz (R5) gold coins as well as a R1 crown size silver coin.
COIN SPECIFICATIONS
The Protea legal tender coins are issued as limited edition singles or in sets in proof quality. The R1 silver coin is also available as an uncirculated coin.
| Protea Coin Series Specifications |
| Face Value | Diameter mm | Mass Gram | Metal Content |
| R25 | 32,69 | 31,107 | Au 999,9 |
| R5 | 16,50 | 3,110 | Au 999,9 |
| R1 | 32,70 | 15,00 | Ag 925 Cu 75 |
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