Ten Cents, Nickel, Coin Type from South Africa - detailed information

Ten Cents, Nickel, Coin Type from South Africa (issued 1965 - 1989)
Coin TypeTen Cents, Nickel

The South African Ten Cents coin (abbreviated as 10c) is currently the smallest circulating coin of the Rand currency - after the 5c denomination was withdrawn in 2012. It was introduced when the currency was decimalised in 1961 and replaced the earlier pre-decimal shilling, retaining its reverse design, dimensions and metal content.

The silver version of the Ten Cents was only issued for four years though; in 1965, the Second Decimal Series was introduced, in which the Ten Cents denomination was made of nickel.

The obverse showed a portrait of Jan van Riebeeck until 1969, with the legend in one language only - either English or Afrikaans, with both versions issued every year. It was then changed to have the Coat of Arms of South Africa, with a bilingual legend. The obverse was re-engraved in 1984, so carries a new engraver's signature after that. Apart from the regular designs, there were also four commemorative issues with different obverses.

The denomination changed to a smaller bronze-plated steel version in 1990.

Obverse
South Africa / Ten Cents, Nickel - obverse photo

The obverse of the coin displays the Coat of Arms of South Africa at its centre, as granted to the Union of South Africa by King George V and later amended by the British College of Arms. It contains representation of the four provinces within the Union.

The Coat of Arms features a shield quartered, each quarter a symbol of one of the four provinces of South Africa. An ox wagon represents Transvaal Province, a woman with an anchor represents Cape Province, two wildebeests represent Natal Province and an orange tree represents the Orange Free State Province. The crest of the arms features a lion holding four bound sticks. The supporters are a springbok and a gemsbok. Below the arms, the Latin motto, EX UNITATE VIRES (translated at first as "Union Is Strength", but from 1961 translated as "Unity Is Strength").

Around left, the name of the country in English: SOUTH AFRICA; around right, the name in Afrikaans: SUID-AFRIKA.

Below, the date of issue: * [year] *.

Obverse Inscription SOUTH AFRICA * SUID-AFRIKA * [year] *
Reverse
South Africa / Ten Cents, Nickel - reverse photo

The reverse depicts an aloe plant (Aloe succotrina, or Fynbos aloe). Above, the numeral value 10 (Ten Cents).

At the base of the plant on the left side, the initials of the designer T.S. (for Tommy Sasseen).

Reverse Inscription 10
EdgePlainEdge InscriptionNone
Advertising
The Definitive Guide to Australian Silver Coins
The Definitive Guide to Australian Silver Coins
Coin Type: Ten Cents, Nickel - (30) Coins
Coin NameReverseObverseIn my collection(s)
Please sign up and/or log in to use collection management functionality.
Advertising
Buy Silver and Gold Bullion Online!
Buy Silver and Gold Bullion Online!
Ten Cents, Nickel: Details
CountrySouth Africa
CurrencyRand
Sub-type ofTen Cents
From1965
To1989
Face Value10 (x Cent)
CurrentNo; withdrawn 1990
MaterialNickel
DesignerTommy Sasseen
TechnologyMilled (machine-made)
ShapeRound
OrientationMedal Alignment (Axis 0)
Size20.7000 mm
Thickness1.7000 mm
Mass4.0000 g