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.