Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 2 Cents 1996-2000, KM# 159, South Africa
  • 2 Cents 1996-2000, KM# 159, South Africa
Description

Engraver: Arthur Sutherland

Obverse

Coat of arms and country name in Venda or Tshivenda, also known as Tshivenḓa or Luvenḓa, is a Bantu language and an official language of South Africa.

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".

AFURIKA-TSHIPEMBE
EX UNITATE VIRES
ALS 1997

Reverse

Depicts an eagle holding a fish with its talons dividing date.

2c
ALS

Edge

2 Cents

AFURIKA-TSHIPEMBE
KM# 159 Hern# Nb7-11 Schön# 216
Characteristics
Material Copper Plated Steel
Weight 3 g
Diameter 18 mm
Thickness 1.8 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Alt # Hern# Nb7, Hern# Nb8, Hern# Nb9, Hern# Nb10, Hern# Nb11
Mint
South African Mint (SA Mint)

Related coins

SOUTH AFRICA

Bronze, 4 g, ⌀ 22.45 mm
SUID-AFRIKA

Bronze, 4 g, ⌀ 22.45 mm
SOUTH AFRICA - SUID-AFRIKA

Bronze, 4 g, ⌀ 22.45 mm