The South African Ten Cents coin (abbreviated as 10c) is currently the smallest circulating coin of the Rand currency - after the 5c denomination was withdrawn in 2012. It was introduced when the currency was decimalised in 1961 and replaced the earlier pre-decimal shilling, retaining its reverse design, dimensions and metal content.
The silver version of the Ten Cents was only issued for four years though; in 1965, the Second Decimal Series was introduced, in which the Ten 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. Apart from the regular designs, there were also four commemorative issues with different obverses.
The denomination changed to a smaller bronze-plated steel version in 1990. Thus, 10 cent coins issued in 1969 circulated for 21 years until they were replaced with the steel version.
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