Coins of the South African rand
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The coins of the South African rand are part of the physical form of South Africa's currency, the South African rand. In 1961, South Africa changed over to decimal currency: 100 cents (100c) = 1 rand (R1), 1 rand being valued at 10 shillings.
[edit] First Republic first coinage (1961–64)
South Africa was still a Dominion when decimal currency was introduced in February, 1961. As the coins bear the forward facing portrait of Jan van Riebeeck, they are classified as belonging under the First Republic (1961–84).
The First Republic came into effect on 31 May 1961 and withdrew from the Commonwealth. The constitutional arrangement of the First Republic consisted of a non-executive State President (whose powers were the same as the Governor-General of the Union of South Africa) and a bicameral parliamentary system. The Senate was replaced by the State President's Council in 1980.
The initial coinage of the Republic were as follows:
- 1/2 cent
- 1 cent
- 2 1/2 cents (replaced 3d)
- 5 cents (replaced 6d)
- 10 cents (replaced 1s)
- 20 cents (replaced 2s)
- 50 cents (replaced 5s)
All except the 1/2 and 1 cent coins were in silver.
[edit] First Republic second coinage (1965–69)
A revised coinage series was introduced for 1965. Denominations included 1/2, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents. Silver was replaced in coins by cupronickel. A silver R1 coin was introduced, whilst gold R1 and R2 pieces were also minted for collectors.
[edit] First Republic third coinage (1970–83)
The coinage followed the denominations of the 1965-69 series, with the South African coat of arms displayed.
[edit] Second Republic first coinage (1984–90)
The Second Republic came into existence in late 1984 when the then State President, Marais Viljoen retired and the last Prime Minister, P.W. Botha became the first (and penultimate) executive State President. The constitutional arrangement consisted of the State President and a tricameral parliamentary system. South Africa is the only Commonwealth of Nations country that has ever had a tricameral legislature.
