| Coin | Gold Ounce 2019 Constitutional Court |
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South Africa pioneered modern bullion coinage when it first issued the Krugerrand on 3 July 1967 to help market South African gold; it is the first modern bullion coin and is still issued today.
Gradually, the South African Mint started diversifying the range, first by issuing fractional Krugerrands, then by introducing different designs to the gold one-ounce (1 oz) format. These include the Protea series, the Natura series, as well as one-year types that do not fall into a particular series. The Kruggerands retained their specifications (22-carat gold) while other coins issued after 1994 are 99.99% gold; just as the Krugerrand though, they contain exactly one ounce of pure gold or 1oz Absolute Gold Weight (1.000 oz AGW).
This coin was issued as part of the SA25 coin series celebrating 25 years of democracy in South Africa.
The South African Mint says about the series:
"2019 marks a monumental 25 years of Constitutional Democracy for the nation of South Africa. To reinvigorate national pride, the South African Mint released the SA25 themed coin range under the series Celebrating South Africa. South Africans were consulted on their interpretation of democracy and freedom and shared the symbols that they associate with these values. This commemorative coin range was then developed, giving everyone an opportunity to reflect on our diverse identity as a country.
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa is the supreme law, with the Bill of Rights being the cornerstone of democracy in South Africa. It enshrines the rights of all people in the country and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom. After deliberating with South Africans from all walks of life and from all backgrounds who were born during this time, it was decided that this commemorative coin range would portray some of these rights as contained in the Bill of Rights." |
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| Obverse | |
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The obverse shows the Coat of Arms of South Africa at centre; around above that, the legend SOUTH AFRICA in English.
Around below, the date of issue 2019.
The designer's initials ALS (for Arthur L. Sutherland) are to the left of the Coat of Arms. |
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| Reverse | |
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The reverse of the R500 pure-gold coin depicts the main entrance of South Africa’s highest court, the Constitutional Court, which endorses the rights of all citizens. The Court is situated in Johannesburg on Constitution Hill, which is a living museum with a rich history of telling the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy.
Designed by architect Shaun Gaylard, the coin’s reverse is inspired by the interaction between the building, its inhabitants and its visitors.
Around above the design, the inscription THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA. Horizontally to the left and above the building, the face value and denomination R500 (Five Hundred Rand).
The typography of the inscription, designed by Garth Walker, unifies the reverses of all coins of the series.
Around below right, the metal content and composition of the coin: 1 oz Au 999.9 (Au is abbreviated from Aurum, which means "gold" in Latin and is used internationally on gold bullion coinage).
The initials of the die-sinker, PB (for Paul Botes), are incuse inside a diagonal stripe in the lower left. |
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| Reverse Inscription |
THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA R500 1 oz Au 999.9 |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | 110 individually boxed coins (from limit of 125; Part-No G24-PC-SA2519, issue price: R 33,995), plus coins in sets.
About the coin creators, the South African Mint says the following:
"Durban-based artist and reverse typographer, Garth Walker, whose interest lies in asking “what makes me African - and what does that look like?” got his start as a graphic designer in the mid-1970s. Today, he is the proud founder of two established design studios and his work is represented in esteemed collections, galleries, universities and libraries across the globe - from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art to The Smithsonian. In 1995 he self-published his experimental studio magazine iJusi, and he continues to publish work in numerous books and magazines today. Walker is a member of Alliance Graphique Internationale, British D&AD and a Life Member of The Type Directors Club (NY)."
"East London-born Gaylard’s design aesthetic is expressed in constrained, meticulous and precise fine-line drawings. Having always been fascinated by the intricacies of design and construction, Gaylard graduated with a masters degree in architecture from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and lived and worked in London and Paris. In 2013, Gaylard launched Blank Ink Design - a design studio which provides a vehicle for the creation of his architectural drawings inspired by local and international buildings. These drawings have been featured in leading SA magazines, exhibitions and the prestigious AKAA fair in Paris and have been acquired by private as well as well-known collectors such as the Oppenheimer’s Brenthurst Library. " |
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| Included in Set |
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2019 Celebrating South Africa 25 Years Constitution Democracy 9 Coin Set, mintage 49, limited to 225
9 coins: R500 Gold Ounce, R50 Silver Ounce, R50 Bronze Ounce, R5 Constitutional Democracy, R2 Children’s Rights, R2 Right to Education, R2 Environmental Rights, R2 Freedom of Movement and Residence, R2 Freedom of Religion, Belief and Opinion
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Celebrating South Africa: 25 years of constitutional democracy Launch Set, mintage 16, limited to 100
1 coins: R500 Gold Ounce Constitutional Court
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