Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 2 Rand 2002, KM# 273, South Africa
  • 2 Rand 2002, KM# 273, South Africa
Description

Engraver: Arthur Sutherland

Obverse

New national coat of arms for South Africa (adopted on 27 April 2000), inscribed in a square. On both sides, the country name displayed in Zulu and Xhosa, date above.

The Coat of Arms has many elements organized into two oval groups, one on top of the other. Together the two ovals create a symbol of infinity.

The Lower or Foundation Oval:
At the base is the motto "Diverse People Unite" written in the Khoisan language of the ǀXam people. On either side of the motto, pairs of elephant tusks. The tusks enclose two ears of wheat. At the centre is a shield. On the shield are depicted two Khoisan figures. The Khoisan are the oldest inhabitants of South Africa. The figures on the shield are based on the Linton Panel (a world-famous piece of rock art now housed in the South African Museum in Cape Town), and face each other in greeting and unity. Above the shield, a crossed spear and knobkierie (a traditional fighting stick) separate the lower oval from the upper oval.

The Upper or Ascendant Oval
At the centre is the South African National Flower, the King Protea. It is comprised of interlocking diamonds. The protea forms the chest of the secretary bird, whose head and wings stretch out above it. Between its wings, the rising sun

2002
!KE E: ǀXARRA ǁKE
iNingizimu Afrika ALS uMzantsi Afrika

Reverse

The greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) is a woodland antelope found throughout eastern and southern Africa. The Kudu is known as the “King of the Antelope” because of its magnificent horns. Despite occupying such widespread territory, they are sparsely populated in most areas, due to a declining habitat, deforestation and poaching.

As part of the third decimal series, it was agreed that the Kudu be portrayed on South Africa’s first R2 circulation coin. Initially, a leopard design was considered for the R2 but it was decided that designs for the R1, R2 and R5 should be the antelope.

2
RAND
ALS

Edge

2 Rand

iNingizimu Afrika - uMzantsi Afrika
KM# 273 Hern# Nh15 Schön# 311
Characteristics
Material Nickel Plated Copper
Weight 5.5 g
Diameter 23 mm
Thickness 1.75 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
South African Mint (SA Mint)

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