Mandela Coins R5

The 2008 Mandela R5 coin is known to bring in anything from R150 to R19,995. Coins can achieve between R150 and R400 in MS66 grade. Other coins graded MS68 and PF68 range in price from R2500 to R5000 and from R14900 to R19,995.

If you happen to have an R5 2008 Mandela coin in your possession you might want to know how and why grading affects the value of the coin and why the prices vary, especially if you would like to sell your coin or perhaps purchase one to add to your collection. Let us share some information with you.

How does grading affect the pricing of the 2008 Mandela R5 coin?

When a coin is graded, it is closely and carefully examined to find out how well it has been preserved and determine what condition it is in. When a coin is graded, its appearance is measured and evaluated. This will allow it to have a value assigned to it.

Coins receive different levels of grading right from those coins that have been used and are now in poor, worn condition, to coins that are in perfect mint condition. Grading will ensure the quality of a coin. This is how a 2008 Mandela R5 coin would be graded. 

There are usually 5 aspects that are analysed to determine the grade of a coin:

  1. How well the surface of the coin has been preserved.
  2. Eye Appeal
  3. The Coloration of the coin
  4. Coin strike 
  5. Luster

How do you know if your coin has been graded?

You will know right away that a coin has been graded as it will be sealed in a tamper proof, solid plastic / acrylic, airtight case, or seal  to preserve the coin in good condition. 

Inside this case, the following information will be printed:

  • Name of the Grading Company
  • Grade
  • Serial Number
  • Country of Origin 
  • Year
  • Denomination

Where can you get your 2008 R5 Mandela coin graded?

In order to find out the most accurate value of your coin you would need to make sure that the coin dealers that handle  the grading of your coin are reputable and qualified to do so. 

“When it comes to coins (and South African coins in particular), the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) are the two most reputable and credible companies in the industry” – www.southcapecoins.co.za

A useful tip to always remember when having your coins graded is that getting your coin graded is not free, so before going ahead and getting your coin graded, you want to make sure that your coin is worth more than it will cost you to get it graded so as to not run at a loss.

Carefully check these websites for more information and also remember to consider the cost of safely shipping your coin to and from the grading companies if they are not situated near to where you live. Coins can be lost or stolen in transit so you would need a reputable shipping company to handle the movement of your coin.

How would you be able to determine if your coin is uncirculated?

Coin experts have identified 2 specific indications that will tell you whether or not your coin is uncirculated.

  1. An uncirculated coin gives no trace of having been in circulation. It has no major visible signs of wear and tear and is still in excellent condition. This does not mean that the coin has absolutely no marks or blemishes but you will notice that the coin appears to be new and the edges have not begun to rub off or wear.
  2. A coin that has not been handled by bare hands and has not been in circulation very often has a visible sheen or “mint luster”. If the coin had been circulating, this would have worn off. 

Where can you sell your 2008 Mandela R5 coin?

After you have found out whether your coin is graded or not, or uncirculated or not, you may assign a value to your coin and wish to sell it. There are a few ways you can go about selling your coin easily.

  • Online websites such as Bidorbuy; Gumtree; OLX; Ebay
  • Coin Auctions
  • Reputable coin dealers which can be found online or there are shops you can visit that deal in coins
  • You can visit coin shows in your area, Google searches will be able to tell you when a coin show will be in your area.

What does the 2008 Mandela R5 coin look like?

The 2008 Mandela R5 coin is a bi-metal coin that depicts the smiling image of former South African President Nelson Mandela on one side, as well as the lettering “90 Years” and “5 Rand”. On the reverse side of the coin, the image of the South African coat of arms is depicted and the lettering along the edges “Suid Afrika.”

How many 2008 Mandela R5 coins are there?

Five million of these bi-metal R5 coins were released into circulation by the South African Reserve Bank. These coins were made in commemoration of former President Nelson Mandela to celebrate his 90th birthday.

The 2008 Mandela R5 coin is a special coin made to commemorate a South African icon, foreigner President Nelson Mandela, and his 90th birthday. This coin while in circulation is worth its face value, but if graded and uncirculated can fetch a much higher selling price. Before buying or selling a 2008 Mandela R5 coin, be sure to do your homework and look into the grading of your coin as well as finding reputable dealers to assist you with the process. 

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.


📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.
  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
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  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.


💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).


🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.


🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information


📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.