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 Two Rand coin was initially a gold bullion coin equal to the earlier gold pound, which was itself equal to a British sovereign (minted, among others, at the Pretoria branch of the Royal Mint - now the South African Mint, until 1932).
Nickel-plated copper Two Rand coins started to be issued for regular circulation in 1989. From time to time, the South African Reserve Bank also issues commemorative Two Rand coins such as this one.
This circulating commemorative R2 coin marks the 100th anniversary of the Union Buildings (Afrikaans: Uniegebou), which form the official seat of the South African Government and also house the offices of the President of South Africa.
The imposing buildings are located in Pretoria, atop Meintjieskop at the northern end of Arcadia, close to historic Church Square and the Voortrekker Monument. Though not in the centre of Pretoria, the Union Buildings occupy the highest point of Pretoria, and constitute a South African national heritage site.
The Buildings are one of the centres of political life in South Africa; "The Buildings" and "Arcadia" have become symbols for the South African government. It has become an iconic landmark of Pretoria and South Africa in general, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and an emblem of democracy. The Buildings arealso the location of presidential inaugurations. |