Hi everyone Don't if anyone on this forum ever visited South Africa in the past decade or so - more specifically the SA Mint. During 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2001 visitors to the SA Mint had the opportunity to purchase a 5 Rand coin. The coin would then be minted on the so-called 'Oom Paul' press. The buyer could press the button to start the minting process. The coin would then be placed in a capsule and handed to the buyer with a certificate, where the buyer could write his or her own name on. Often, they would also include a photograph of the press operator with the certificate. The 1997 and 1998 coins had no mint marks. But, the 2000 and 2001 had the 'CW' mint mark at the bottom of the coin. According to the SA Mint only a few hundred of these coins were minted and given to visitors. The few coins that did not sell to visitors were made available to collectors. Locally, these coins have become in huge demand, with recent sales ranging from $400 to $800 per coin. Here is a sample of one such coin: So, if you were one of the visitors who had your own coin minted, you may have a very valuable coin in your possession
