The Truth About the “Free Mandela” Scoin Shop Token

Over the years, many collectors and customers have come across a brass token featuring Nelson Mandela and the words “A Long Walk to Freedom” and “Free Mandela 1976–1980.”
This token, often mistaken for a rare or valuable Mandela coin, was issued by The Scoin Shop as a commemorative advertising medallion, not an official South African coin.

What This Token Really Is

According to Numista, the world’s largest online coin catalogue, this piece was minted by the Mint of Norway for promotional purposes.
It was made of brass, not gold or silver, and has the following specifications:

• Composition: Brass

• Weight: 8.24 g

• Diameter: 24.98 mm

• Issuer: The Scoin Shop (South Africa)

• Mint: Mint of Norway, Kongsberg

• Type: Advertising token / commemorative medallion

While it features an image of Nelson Mandela and inspiring inscriptions, it was never legal tender and does not hold any intrinsic or bullion value.

No Gold Content or Resale Value

Despite some online confusion, this token is not made of gold, nor does it contain any precious metal content.
Its resale value is purely symbolic or sentimental, depending on the interest of private collectors.
In the numismatic market, such pieces generally sell for little to no monetary value, since they were produced in large quantities and hold no legal or investment worth.