Fifty Cents 1976 Fouché, Coin from South Africa - detailed information

The South African Fifty Cents coin (abbreviated as 50c) is a small circulating coin of the Rand currency. It was introduced when the currency was decimalised in 1961 and replaced the earlier pre-decimal five shillings coin, retaining its design, dimensions and metal content; the coin is thus directly descended from (and initially compatible with) the British silver Crown denomination.

The silver version of the Fifty Cents was only issued for four years though. In 1965, the Second Decimal Series was introduced, in which the Fifty 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 was changed to a smaller bronze-plated steel version with the Third Decimal Series in 1990. Thus, 50c coins issued in 1976 circulated for 15 years until they were replaced with the steel version.

The 1976 issue commemorates the end of the presidency of Jacobus Johannes Fouché (1898 - 1980) who served as the second State President of South Africa from 1968 to 1975.