The 2008 Protea proof set commemorating the very influential Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi influenced both national and international movements and brought the cause of India’s independence from British colonial rule to world attention. Gandhi’s principle of satyagraha (from Sanskrit satya: truth, and graha: grasp/hold), has also inspired other democratic activists, including Martin Luther King, Jr., John Lennon and the 14th Dalai Lama.

The title of "Mahatma" (Sanskrit term of reverence "mahatman" meaning "one of great soul") was accorded on Gandhi in 1915 by his admirer Rabindranath Tagore (the first Asian to win the Nobel Prize for Literature). It was given in response to Gandhi conferring the title of "Gurudev" (great teacher) upon Tagore.

Sadly Gandhi’s warm relations with many who did not belong to the Hindu fold, led to his assassination in 1948 by a Hindu extremist.

It is ironic that this great pacifist, the first to employ non-violence in a political context, was never awarded the Nobel Peace Prize! The 1960 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Chief Albert Luthuli from South Africa, applied Gandhi’s principles while fighting apartheid in South Africa. The profound lessons Gandhi learnt in South Africa, spurned him to stand-up and without violence fight for his beloved India, earning him the title of "Father of the Nation".

Data sheet

• Mass: 31.107 g, 3.110 g, 15.00 g
• Diameter: 32.69mm, 16.50mm, 32.69mm
• Metal Content: Au 999.9, Au 999.9, Ag 925 Cu 75
• Reverse Die-sinker: N van Niekerk, C Moses, MJ Scheepers
• Reverse Artist: N van Niekerk
• Obverse Die-sinker: AL Sutherland
• Obverse Artist: AL Sutherland
• Box Type: Leatherette
• Purity: 24 carat Gold
• Maximum Mintage: 5000