5 million of these special coins were minted in celebration of Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday, and were released into circulation on that day, the 18th of July.
These commemorative coins are already hard to find as they are being snapped up by coin collectors everywhere. This one was kindly loaned to me by Paul, my corner shop owner.
Link - The Mandela Coin: The frenzy is unleased
Link to see other Metal Theme Day photos from around the world:
Click here to view thumbnails for all participants
Posts
9 comments:
What a marvelous choice for the theme! I'm sure I never would have seen one of these without your post. Thanks!
Beautiful coin and a nice tribute to a good man.
Happy Theme Day!
Janet
Thanks Elaine and Janet!
Unfortunately I could not get my hands on a coin in pristine condition (apparently once a coin is touched, ie fingerprints on it, its value is negatively affected!) so had to make do with this rather manhandled and badly scratched one. Quite a challenge for me to photograph!
Sunny South African greetings! :)
very nice shot they chose to put in the coin
great capture, seems like the coin its floating before the camera
I very much agree with Elaine & Janet - wonderful post and tribute. I really like seeing special coins from other countries. US is finally issueing new golden, shiny dollar coins with early presidents.
Beautiful choice !!!
Ram
Thanks so much for your comments Rafa and Tash!
Rafa: I balanced the coin on a tiny thin glass bottle, and spread coins underneath for the background. I shot it with my short lens (18-55) as I didn't have the time to fiddle around with my macro lens. Lighting (natural indirect, from the side)was tricky - to get the coin's detail to show.
Yes Tash - would be nice to see other special coins from around the world.
This Mandela coin is a circulatory coin which means it is supposed to be used (actually illegal to hoard or trade it) but they are being collected so very rare if non-existent on the street.
Lots of collectors coins (non-circulatory) are produced by the SA Mint. Visit them at www.samint.co.za
Very interesting and different choice. our explanantion of how you took the shot too saved me asking. Excellent post.
Thanks Ram, and thanks Babooshka for your comments.
Post a Comment