Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 1 Cent 1990-1995, KM# 132, South Africa
  • 1 Cent 1990-1995, KM# 132, South Africa
Obverse

Coat of arms and country name in English and Afrikaans.

The coat of arms was granted by King George V by Royal Warrant on 17 September 1910, few months after the formation of the Union of South Africa.

It was a combination of symbols representing the four provinces (formerly colonies) that made up the Union:
• The first quarter is the figure of Hope, representing the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope.
• The two wildebeests of the second quarter represent the Colony of Natal.
• The orange tree in the third quarter was used as the symbol of the Orange Free State Republic.
• The wagon in the fourth quarter represented the Transvaal.
• The supporters are taken from the arms of the Orange River Colony and the Cape Colony.
• The lion holds four rods, bound together, symbolizing the unification of the four former colonies.

The motto, Ex Unitate Vires was officially translated as "Union is Strength" until 1961, and thereafter as "Unity is Strength".

Engraver: Arthur Sutherland

SOUTH AFRICA SUID-AFRIKA
EX UNITATE VIRES
ALS
1993

Reverse

Depicts two Cape sparrows perched on branch, denomination in centre.

The Cape sparrow or mossie (Passer melanurus) is a bird of the sparrow family Passeridae found in southern Africa. A medium-sized sparrow at 14–16 centimetres (5.5–6.3 in), it has distinctive plumage including large pale head stripes. Both sexes are mostly coloured grey, brown, and chestnut, and the male has some black and white markings on its head and neck. It inhabits semi-arid savannah, cultivated areas, and towns, and ranges from the central coast of Angola to eastern South Africa and Swaziland.

Engraver: William Lumley

1c
WL

Edge

1 Cent

SOUTH AFRICA - SUID-AFRIKA
KM# 132 Hern# Na1-6
Characteristics
Material Copper Plated Steel
Weight 1.5 g
Diameter 15 mm
Thickness 1.3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Alt # Hern# Na1, Hern# Na2, Hern# Na3, Hern# Na4, Hern# Na5, Hern# Na6
Mint
South African Mint (SA Mint)

Related coins

Brass, 9.42 g, ⌀ 31 mm
SOUTH AFRICA

Bronze, 3 g, ⌀ 19.05 mm
SUID-AFRIKA

Bronze, 3 g, ⌀ 19.05 mm