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.

Engraver: M. J. Scheepers

Obverse

Depicts a national coat of arms for South Africa (adopted on 27 April 2000), the country name in Zulu, Xhosa and Venda languages, the 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.

2023 INingizimu Afrika uMzantsi Afrika Afrika Tshipembe
MJS
ǃKE E: ǀXARRA ǁKE

Reverse

Depicts the southern right whale, a species which is considered endangered and can be found throughout the southern part of the southern hemisphere. During the winter months, these whales migrate to the warmer coastal waters of South Africa, with more than 100 of them known to be in the Hermanus area. A latent image shown below the primary design changes from RAND to FIVE when tilted. Micro-lettering shown as SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK is repeated around the inner circle adjacent to the rim.

5 RAND
MJS
RAND
SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK

Edge

Security edge with the initials of the South Africa Reserve Bank and the facial value repeated 10 times

SARB R5 SARB R5 SARB R5 SARB R5 SARB R5 SARB R5 SARB R5 SARB R5 SARB R5 SARB R5

5 Rand

INingizimu Afrika - uMzantsi Afrika - Afrika Tshipembe
KM#
Characteristics
Material Bi-Metallic
Ring Cupronickel
Center Brass
Weight 9.5 g
Diameter 26 mm
Thickness 3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
South African Mint (SA Mint)

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