Description

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) released the fourth decimal coin series on 3 May 2023. The fourth decimal coin series is based on the theme of deep ecology, which celebrates the interconnectedness of humans and other living organisms as an integral part of the environment.

The SARB has also retained the 11 official languages of South Africa which are rotated on a 10-year cycle to ensure that every language is represented on the coin.

Obverse

Depicts a national coat of arms for South Africa (adopted on 27 April 2000), the country name in English (left) and Afrikaans (right) languages, date above, engraver's initials below.

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: M. J. Scheepers

South Africa 2023 Suid-Afrika
ǃKE E: ǀXARRA ǁKE
MJS

Reverse

Depicted the bitter aloe, a tall and single-stemmed plant that can reach a height of up to 10 feet (3 metres). It has thick and fleshy leaves that are arranged in rosettes and adorned with reddish-brown spines on the margins, along with smaller spines on the upper and lower surfaces. The engraver's initials and the value below.

Engraver: C. Moses

CM
20c

Edge

20 Cents

South Africa - Suid-Afrika
KM#
Characteristics
Material Bronze Plated Steel
Weight 3.5 g
Diameter 19 mm
Thickness 1.8 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
South African Mint (SA Mint)

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