Obverse. Photo © South African Mint
  • 2 Rand 2020, Hern# Nl53, South Africa, South African Inventions, Retinal Cryoprobe
  • 2 Rand 2020, Hern# Nl53, South Africa, South African Inventions, Retinal Cryoprobe
  • 2 Rand 2020, Hern# Nl53, South Africa, South African Inventions, Retinal Cryoprobe, Combination set
Description

The South African Mint has a long tradition of embodying the national genius of inventors and inventions on its ‘South African Inventions’ crown and tickey (nickname for 2½ c coin) coin series. Launched in 2016, the series honors inventions and firsts by South Africans that met with immense success globally. The dolos, heart transplant surgery, the computerized tomography (CT) scanner, and epoxy adhesive have been featured in preceding years.

The 2020 series features a South African invention that has revolutionised cataract surgery. The retinal cryoprobe was commercialized by ophthalmologist and biomedical engineer Dr. Selig Percy Amoils in 1965, while he worked at the Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto. The cryoprobe is a large, pen-like instrument used in cryosurgery, a technique commonly used to treat cataracts. During cryosurgery, the cryoprobe is inserted into a cut in the eye to deliver extremely cold liquid gas with precision that freezes onto a cataract. The cataract (or other unwanted tissue) can then be removed, with no risk of destroying healthy adjacent tissue. In South Africa, it has been identified as a national health priority, as it remains the leading cause of blindness in the country, according to the South African Optometric Association.

The ingenious design on these coins allows for a surprise: when the smaller tickey is placed on the bigger crown, it gives the impression of a retinal cryoprobe procedure.

A combination set consists of the two coins and a sterling-silver miniature sculpture of the eye, packaged in a beautiful piano-finish varnish walnut-wood box.

Obverse

Depicts the South African coat of arms, the year of issue as well as ‘South Africa’ in 10 official languages of South Africa.

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

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.

Engraver: Arthur Sutherland

Ningizimu Afrika
Afurika Tshipembe
iSewula Afrika
iNingizimu Afrika
Afrika Dzonga
Aforika Borwa
Afrika Borwa
South Africa
uMzantsi Afrika
Suid-Afrika
20 20
!KE E: /XARRA //KE
ALS

Reverse

Depicts the anatomy of an eye, together with the years ‘1965’ and ‘2020’, engraver's initials above, denomination below, and metal fineness on the right.

The circle on the crown is a placeholder for the smaller tickey coin (nickname for 2½ cents) which when placed onto the crown, gives the impression of a retinal cryoprobe procedure.

Engraver: V.L. Chipa

VLC
1oz Ag925 Cu75
1965
2020
R2
RETINAL
CRYOPROBE

Edge

2 Rand (Crown)

Hern# Nl53
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 33.626 g
Diameter 38.725 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
South African Mint (SA Mint)

Related coins

Retinal Cryoprobe

South African Inventions

Silver, 1.414 g, ⌀ 16.3 mm