Gold Reef City Mint
A working mint inside a Johannesburg theme park, where visitors watched coins being struck and purchased GRC‑marked souvenirs – including Krugerrands and Proteas.
Key Points
- Second Oom Paul press refurbished
- GRC mint mark
- Struck 1986–1990s
- Tourist attraction
️ History
Gold Reef City, a theme park built around an abandoned gold mine, opened in the 1980s. As part of the historical recreation, a working mint was established using a second Oom Paul press – a sibling to the famous 1891 Berlin press that operated at the SA Mint. Visitors could watch coins being struck and purchase them as souvenirs. The mint operated from approximately 1986 through the 1990s.
GRC‑Marked Coins
- Krugerrands – 1 oz, ½ oz, ¼ oz, 1/10 oz gold with GRC mint mark.
- Gold Proteas – bullion coins with GRC mark.
- R2 collectable coins – various designs, some commemorating mining history.
- Medals and tokens – non‑currency souvenirs.
The Second Oom Paul Press
This press was refurbished in 1986 and installed at Gold Reef City. It struck coins with the distinctive "GRC" mint mark. Its current whereabouts are unknown (likely retired or on display elsewhere).
Collecting GRC Coins
- Scarce – many were sold to tourists and are now in collections worldwide.
- Krugerrands with GRC mark command a premium over standard bullion (20–50%).
- R2 collectables range from $50–200 depending on design and condition.
- Authentication: verify GRC mint mark, weight, and specifications.
Sources
- South African Mint. "Home to Oom Paul."
- Randburg Coin historical references.