South Africa’s new banknotes and coins unveiled

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) announced that it had introduced upgraded banknotes and coins into the South African market.

The new denominations will be available from 4 May 2023 and will be introduced incrementally.

This is the first change to South Africa’s currency since 2012 when the current banknote series was issued.

“The upgraded banknotes and coin have enhanced security features and new designs; however, the broad themes for the upgraded banknotes remain the same as the current banknotes, while the theme for the coin is deep ecology,” the SARB said.

Nelson Mandela’s portrait remains on the front of the banknotes. However, the Big 5 animals are now illustrated as a family on the back.

“We also celebrate our constitutional democracy with the preamble to the South African Constitution printed in microtext around Madiba’s portrait and the country’s flag featured on the front and the back of the banknotes.”

Upgrading banknotes and coins regularly is part of international best practice, as it aids in combatting counterfeiting and keeping up with technological advancements.

The rollout of the new domination will not affect the use of the current banknotes and coins in circulation.

Here are South Africa’s new banknotes and coins.