Second Decimal(1965-1990)

Second Decimal Coins were minted from 1965 until 1988 for the Republic of South Africa (RSA).  The two Cent coin(2c) replaced the two-and-a-half coin in 1965.    Between 1965 and 1969, coins had either the Afrikaans wording “Suid Afrika” or the English wording “South Africa”. In 1970, the image of Jan van Riebeeck disappeared and replaced by was replaced by the coat of arms(COA). 

Due to the increase in copper and nickel prices, a committee was appointed in the late 1980s, to investigate the desirability of issuing a new series of banknotes and coin series for South Africa(ZA). At one stage coined minted and released into circulation exceeded its face value.

The decision was made that all South African coins will be manufactured locally and the coins would adopt international standards and be smaller and lighter.  The government approved the new series - it was cheaper to mint and easier to distribute and use. 

The 1 cent coin was struck in bronze and featured a springbok, the national animal of South Africa, on the reverse. The 2 cent coin was also bronze and featured a protea, the national flower of South Africa, on the reverse. The 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent coins were struck in cupronickel and featured various images related to the country's history and culture.

The second decimal coins were in circulation until the early 1990s, when they were replaced by a new series of coins featuring more modern designs. Despite this, the second decimal coins remain popular with collectors due to their historical significance and the unique designs featured on each coin.

Denomination of the coins were:  1 Rand(R1), 50 Cent(50c), 20 Cent(20c), 10 Cent(10c), 5 cent(5c), 2 Cent(2c), 1 Cent(1c), Half Cent(1/2c)

Overall, South Africa's second decimal coins played an important role in the country's monetary system and continue to be an interesting and valuable part of its numismatic history.