Within a recessed square with rounded corners, the obverse of the coin displays the Coat of Arms of South Africa at its centre, as adopted on Freedom Day 27 April 2000.
The Coat of Arms is a series of elements organised in distinct symmetric egg-like or oval shapes placed on top of one another. The completed structure combines the lower and higher oval shape in a symbol of infinity. The path that connects the lower edge of the scroll, through the lines of the tusks, with the horizon above and the sun rising at the top, forms the shape of the cosmic egg from which the secretary bird rises. In the symbolic sense, this is the implied rebirth of the spirit of the great and heroic nation of South Africa.
The motto in the semicircle around below, ǃKE E꞉ ǀXARRA ǁKE, is written in the Khoisan language of the ǀXam people and translates literally to "diverse people unite".
Below the Coat of Arms, the initials of the engraver: ALS (for Arthur Sutherland).
Above the Coat of Arms, the date [year]. Vertically to left and right, the legend "South Africa" written in two of the eleven official languages of the country. There is a system of rotation whereby the inscriptions alternate each year. |
