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 Southern Ndebele (left) and Tsonga (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

yiSewula Afrika 2023 Afrika-Dzonga
ǃKE E: ǀXARRA ǁKE
MJS

Reverse

Depicts the value above the springbok, which is the national animal of South Africa and is predominantly found in southern and southwestern Africa. The word “springbok” is also the nickname of the national rugby team.

The first springbok appeared as long ago as 1947 as a true South African symbol on the silver crown size coins. Based on the original artwork of one of South Africa’s famous sculptors, Coert Steynberg, the Springbok was used on various other South African coins. These were the gold one-pound and ½ pound coins, and later the gold R1 and R2 coins. From 1960 to 1964, the Springbok reappeared on the reverse of the 50c. This prancing buck was also chosen to be the symbol on the Krugerrand from 1967 to date. The Springbok was also depicted on the R1 nickel coins from 1977 – 1990.

Engraver: V. L. Chippa

2 RAND
VLC

Edge

2 Rand

yiSewula Afrika - Afrika-Dzonga

Bill of Rights
Freedom and Security of the Person

Subscribe series
KM#
Characteristics
Material Nickel Plated Steel
Weight 6.5 g
Diameter 23 mm
Thickness 1.75 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
South African Mint (SA Mint)

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Nickel Plated Copper, 5.5 g, ⌀ 23 mm