The South African Reserve Bank has introduced upgraded banknotes and coins into the market, which will be available from 4 May 2023.

The denominations will be introduced incrementally.

The upgraded banknotes and coin have enhanced security features and new designs; however, the broad themes for the upgraded banknotes remain the same as the current banknotes, while the theme for the coin is ”deep ecology.”

Big 5 family scenes

The banknotes continue to pay tribute to South Africa’s first democratically elected President, Nelson Mandela, with his portrait retained on the front of the banknotes while the Big 5 animals are now illustrated as a family on the back.

The country’s constitutional democracy is also celebrated with the preamble to the South African Constitution printed in ”microtext” around Madiba’s portrait and the country’s flag featured on the front and the back of the banknotes.

Deep ecology

The theme of the coin series is deep ecology, which acknowledges the interconnectedness
of living organisms as an integral part of the environment. These themes are depicted by
our fauna and flora on the coin.

Banknotes and coin are regularly upgraded in line with international best practice to combat counterfeiting and to stay abreast with technological advancements. In general, banknotes are refreshed in intervals of 6 to 8 years and coin in intervals of 20 to 30 years.

All previously issued circulation banknotes and coin can be used as a means of trade together with the upgraded banknotes and coin. All circulation currency maintains its face value.

For more on the new look notes and coins click HERE.