The South African Half Cent coin (abbreviated as ½c) was the smallest circulating coin of the Rand currency, which was introduced in the then Union of South Africa on 14 February 1961, shortly before the establishment of the Republic on 31 May 1961. The half cent approximately replaced the earlier half penny coin, which was the second-smallest denomination of the South African Pound.
This second type of Half Cent coins was made of bronze and is part of the Second Decimal Coinage of South Africa. It replaced an earlier larger brass type. The coin was only issued until 1973 for circulation and 1983 for collectors, after which time the denomination was discontinued. Coins struck for circulation (1970-1973) were all dated 1970.
There were also three commemorative issues - in 1976, 1979 and 1982 - in which years no coins with the "regular" (Coat of Arms) obverse were struck.
The coins have not been demonetised and are still legal tender throughout the Common Monetary Area, although in practice they do not circulate due to their low value.
The 1979 issue commemorates the end of the presidency of Nicolaas Johannes Diederichs (1903 - 1978) who served as the third State President of South Africa from 1975 to 1978.
These coins were struck for the annual mint sets only; none were released into general circulation. | 
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