Where to Exchange Old Coins in Cape Town: Bank Branches & Numismatic Options

Exchanging **old / discontinued / foreign coins** in Cape Town is primarily done through **bank branches** (for legal tender demonetized series) and **coin dealers** (for collectible/numismatic value). Note: **South African Reserve Bank (SARB)** is the ultimate authority; commercial banks act as agents.

Major Bank Branches (Demonetized SA Coins / Legal Tender)

Most major banks will exchange **old R5, R2, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c coins** (pre-2012 series, or damaged) **at face value** for account holders. Non-customers may face fees/limits. **Bring ID + proof of address.**

• Standard Bank: Gardens (St George's Mall), Cavendish Square (Claremont), Adderley St (CBD), V&A Waterfront, Century City, Tyger Valley.
• Absa: 25 Adderley St (CBD), Cape Gate, Canal Walk, Constantia, Green Point, Long St, Somerset Mall, Tygervalley, V&A Waterfront.
• First National Bank (FNB): 25 Adderley St (CBD), Canal Walk, Century City, Green Point, Long St, Somerset Mall, Table View, Tygervalley, V&A Waterfront.
• Nedbank: 25 Adderley St (CBD), Cape Gate, Canal Walk, Claremont, Constantia, Green Point, Long St, Somerset Mall, Tygervalley, V&A Waterfront.
• Capitec: 25 Adderley St (CBD), Airport, Bayside, Belhar, Bellville, Brackenfell, Canal Walk, Century City, Claremont, Durbanville, Epping, Gardens, Goodwood, Green Point, Khayelitsha, Kraaifontein, Kuils River, Langeberg, Long St, Mfuleni, Mitchells Plain, Montague Gardens, N1 City, N7 Mall, Paarl, Parow, Philippi, Pinelands, Plumstead, Rondebosch, Sea Point, Somerset Mall, Stellenbosch, Strand, Table View, Tygervalley, V&A Waterfront, Wellington, Westgate, Worcester. (Largest branch network.)
• Investec: 2 Long St (CBD — Private Banking/Wealth focus).
• Rand Merchant Bank (RMB): 1 Thibault Square (CBD — Corporate/Institutional).
• Old Mutual: 1 Thibault Square (CBD — Wealth/Investment focus).

For Collectible / Numismatic Coins (Value > Face Value)

• South African Mint / Gold Coin Shop: **Gateway Centre, Century Blvd, Century City.** Official retailer for Krugerrands, Natura, Protea, commemorative coins. Buys back bullion/numismatics.
• Randburg Coin (Online + Showroom): **Ferndale, Randburg (JHB)** — but ships nationally. Major dealer.
• Bickels Coins & Medals: **Cape Town (by appointment)** — Est. 1970s. Specialist dealer.
• Auction Houses: **Stephan Welz & Co.** (Cape Town / Stellenbosch), **Pierre Lombart** — Numismatic sales.
• Online: **Bidorbuy.co.za**, **Gumtree**, **Facebook Groups (SA Coin Collectors)** — for peer-to-peer.

Critical Tips

• Sort & Identify: Separate **legal tender (face value)** from **collectible (pre-1965 silver, ZAR proof sets, errors, gold, rare dates)**. Banks only pay face value.
• Don't Clean Coins: Destroys numismatic value.
• SARB Redemption: For **large quantities** or **demonetized notes**, apply directly to **SARB Head Office, Pretoria** (by appointment).
• Foreign Coins: Banks rarely buy. Use **Travelex / Forex at airports/malls** (poor rates) or sell online.