Organisation: The South African Mint Company & South African Reserve Bank
The obverse depicts the South African coat of arms, the words ‘South Africa’ written in two of the official languages of South Africa, namely isiXhosa ‘uMzantsi Afrika’ and Afrikaans ‘Suid-Afrika’ and the year the coin was issued, ‘2021’.
The reverse designs on the coin celebrate the centenary of the South African Reserve Bank, the oldest central bank in Africa, through different circulation coins issued over a 100 year period. The coins featured, from left to right, are:
• the 1923 three pence (Tickey), which represents the currency issued during the period of the Union of South Africa;
• a 1961 R1 gold coin featuring the springbok, which represents the introduction of the rand as the offcial currency in the same year South Africa became a Republic. The springbok has featured on numerous coins and is especially recognised as the reverse design on the world-famous Krugerrand;
• the 1965 20c coin, which depicts the king protea, South Africa’s national fower. The coin featured is part of the second decimal coin series;
• the 1990 1c coin featuring two sparrows, which represents the third decimal coin series;
• the R5 coin minted in 2008 in honour of former President Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday, represents commemorative circulation coins issued over the years; and
• a 10c coin depicts the Cape Honey Bee and represents the future of the South Africa’s national currency
The design also illustrates the development of South Africa’s currency, the influence of technology, historic design ideas and themes over time.
