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(abbreviated as 10c) is currently the smallest circulating coin of the Rand currency - after the 5c denomination was withdrawn in 2012.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. With the Third Decimal Series this was changed to a smaller bronze-plated steel version in 1990; in 2012 the plating on the 10c coin was changed from bronze to copper, giving it a reddish appearance. In 2023, the Fourth Decimal Series was introduced, which changed the reverse design from a a bunch of Arum lilies to the depiction of a honey bee.
The obverse displays the Coat of Arms of South Africa at its centre. This was the old (1910) Coat of Arms until 2000, then was updated to the current symbol. The legend was initially bilingual, then one language only, then bilingual again. An annual rotation of the language of the legend was instituted after 2001, with one of the eleven official languages of the country taking precedence in successive years. |
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From 1990 to 2022:
Within a nine-sided rim, the reverse of the coin depicts a bunch of Arum lilies (Zantedeschia aethiopica) - flowers native to South Africa. To the right, the value and the abbreviated denomination 10 c (Ten Cents). At the base of the plants on the left side, the initials of the designer RCM (for Robert Campbell McFarlane).
From 2023:
Within an eight-sided rim, the reverse of the coin depicts the Cape honey bee (Apis mellifera capensis) and the denomination numeral 10c. In the left field, the initials of the designer SDN (Sebastian Naicker ?). |
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| Notes | About the 1990 design, the South African Mint says:
"The Arum Lily (Zantedeschia Aethiopica) is a distinguished South African flower. It originally appeared on the 50c coin from 1965 to 1989, as part of South Africa’s second decimal series. In 1989 the third decimal coin series was introduced and the Arum Lily was selected for the 10c coin. The design was developed from the original artwork by Cynthna Letty. The Arum Lily is also known as the white calla lily, aronskelk or varkblom (pig lily). The latter name is due to the fact that the plant’s nutritious rootstock is favoured by pigs and to some extent by porcupines. The plant is also used medicinally in various ways. The white Arum Lily can be evergreen or deciduous, depending on how much water is gets. The spathe (flower) varies in colour from white to cream and a green and white variation is also found in semi shaded areas."
About the 2023 design:
"The Cape honey bee performs a significant role in South African agriculture and the agricultural economy, pollinating plants and providing honey." |
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