The Rand currency 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 One Rand coin (abbreviated as R1) was initially a gold bullion coin, which was soon changed to silver, then nickel in 1977.
With the introduction of the Third Decimal Series in 1990, the R1 was changed to nickel-plated copper and was made smaller.
Its reverse features a new design of the iconic Springbok antelope, the national animal of South Africa which featured on the pre-decimal five shillings, half pound and one pound coins, the silver fifty cents and on the Krugerrand bullion coin series. The motto Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God alone) was retained from the earlier design. On various occasions, commemorative one rand coins are also issued.
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 is bilingual (except 1996 - 2001), with an annual rotation of the languages instituted after 2001.
R1 coins issued in 1990 have now been in circulation for 34 years.
The 1990 one rand of this type was issued in the annual Brilliant Uncirculated mint sets only. |