R2, South Africa, 2023, Nickel-plated Steel

Country

South Africa

Year

2023

Value

R2, Two Rand, 2 ZAR, 2 Rand

Metal

Nickel-plated Steel

Weight

6.50gm

Diameter

23.0mm 

Thickness

1.750mm

Obverse Design

M. J. Scheepers(MJS)

Reverse Design

V. L. Chippa(VLC)

Shape

Round

The last issue of the series

Obverse

Depicts a national coat of arms for South Africa, the country name in English and Afrikaans 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:

yiSewula Afrika 2023 Afrika-Dzonga

ǃKE E: ǀXARRA ǁKE

MJS

Reverse

Features the Springbok. Depicts the value above the springbok, which is the national animal of South Africa and is predominantly found in southern and southwestern Africa. The word “springbok” is also the nickname of the national rugby team.

The first springbok appeared as long ago as 1947 as a true South African symbol on the silver crown-size coins. Based on the original artwork of one of South Africa’s famous sculptors, Coert Steynberg, the Springbok was used on various other South African coins. These were the gold one-pound and ½ pound coins, and later the gold R1 and R2 coins. From 1960 to 1964, the Springbok reappeared on the reverse of the 50c. This prancing buck was also chosen to be the symbol of the Krugerrand from 1967 to date. The Springbok was also depicted on the R1 nickel coins from 1977 – 1990.

Lettering:

2 RAND (top)

VLC(initials, to the Left)

Edge

Interrupted reeded

Mintage

Proof Mintage

2023

unknown

unknown