Numismatics, or the collection and study of coins, can be traced back as far as Ancient Greece. Coins tell the stories of change, heritage and legacies. Their inscriptions of dates, gods and rulers can confirm, refute or even amplify historical events. Their value lies not only in the precious metal they are made of, but in their journey through a nation`s landscape.

Dr Voloshin’s coin collection started many years ago and has grown in size and significance. It tells the story of independence (ZAR coins), legacy (Krugerrand) and heroism (Mandela). This is a South African memoir revisited through an extensive coin collection.

As the fight for freedom is told in the Mandela coin collection, so the story is captured in Ruth Motau’s photographic work of the people and Mandela at the dawn of a new South Africa.