Today, Monday, 7 July 2008, the South African Reserve Bank together with the South African Mint Company, the Ministry of Finance and the Nelson Mandela Foundation launched a R5 bi-metal circulation coin to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday.The coin features a smiling portrait of former President Nelson Mandela. The angle of the face is the traditional three quarter "coin" angle. Mandela is wearing his signature pattern shirt, which differentiates him from other portrayals of states persons on coins.Five million coins have been minted and will go into circulation on Friday, 18 July 2008, as part of Mr Mandela’s official 90th birthday celebrations.For further details contact:Samantha HenkemanTel: +27 12 313 4669Cell: +27 83 209 0570Email:Sam.Henkeman@resbank.co.za