R5, South Africa, 2023, Bimetallic

Country

South Africa

Year

2023

Value

R5, Five Rand, 5 ZAR, 5 Rand

Metal

Bimetallic: brass centre in copper-nickel ring

Weight

9.5gm (Bimetal)

Diameter

26.00mm(Bimetal)

Thickness

3.00mm(Bimetal)

Obverse Design

MJ Scheepers(MJS)

Reverse Design

MJ Scheepers(MJS)

Shape

Round, Milled

The last issue of the series

-

Obverse

Depicts a national coat of arms for South Africa, the country name in Venda, Zulu and Xhosa 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 center 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 and face each other in greeting and unity.Above the shield, a crossed spear and knobkierie separate the lower oval from the upper oval.

The Upper or Ascendant Oval

At the center is the South African National Flower, the King Protea.

It is comprised of interlocking diamonds.

Lettering:

2023

Afrika Tshipembe(Venda Language)

iNingizimu Afrika(Zulu Language)

uMzantsi Afrika(Xhosa Language)

MJS (Initial)

ǃKE E: ǀXARRA ǁKE

Reverse

The R5 coin change is also striking, replacing the Wildebeest with Southern Right Whales from 2023. Depicts the southern right whale, a species that 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.

Lettering:

5  RAND (top)

MJS (Initial)

SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK

Edge

Security lettered

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

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

Mintage

Proof Mintage

 2023

unknown

unknown