Information about effigy: Jan van Riebeeck (right)

Johan Anthoniszoon van Riebeeck, known as Jan van Riebeeck (1619-1677), was a Dutch colonial administrator and founder of Cape Town. He is considered by many people to be the founding father of the South African nation.

After South Africa became a republic, his portrait appeared on the first decimal coinage - in a version facing the viewer, based on a painting by Dirck Craey which is now in the possession of Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum; it is now thought that the painting was actually of another Dutchman named Bartholomeus Vermuyden, and not of Jan van Riebeeck.

This version was only used for four years, after which time the coinage was changed and the second decimal issue was introduced, which carried a portrait facing right. This was also issued for four years only and was then discontinued.

Jan van Riebeeck on bronze coins

South Africa / One Cent 1965 (English)

The portrait of Jan van Riebeeck was used on bronze coins only between 1965 and 1969, after which time the coinage carried the Coat of Arms of South Africa instead.

Jan van Riebeeck on nickel coins

South Africa / Five Cents 1965 (English)

As with bronze, the portrait of Jan van Riebeeck was used on nickel coins only between 1965 and 1969, after which time the coinage carried the Coat of Arms of South Africa instead.