First Decimal(1961-1964)

The Union came to an end when the 1961 constitution was enacted. On 31 May 1961, the nation became a Republic, under the name of the Republic of South Africa (RSA).

South Africa's first decimal coins were introduced in 1961, replacing the pound sterling as the country's official currency. The coins, which included denominations of 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, and 50 cents, were made of bronze and featured the image of a springbok, a gazelle-like antelope that is the national animal of South Africa. This was a time when the Republic of South Africa officially started using a decimal system.  The one shilling(1 Shilling) became 10 cents(10c), one pound(1 Pound) became two rands (R2) and the three pence(3D) become two and a half cent(2 1/2 cent) coin. 

The 1-cent coin featured the image of a protea, a type of flowering plant that is native to South Africa, while the 2 cents coin featured the image of a knobkierie, a traditional weapon used by the Zulu people. The 5 cents coin featured the image of a Kudu, a type of antelope, and the 10 cents coin featured the image of a bushbuck, another type of antelope. The 20 cents coin featured the image of a secretary bird, a type of bird of prey, and the 50 cents coin featured the image of a gemsbok, a type of antelope.

The introduction of decimal coins in South Africa marked a significant change in the country's monetary system, as it transitioned from a system based on the pound sterling to one based on the decimal system. The new coins were met with widespread acceptance and continue to be used in South Africa today.