The South African Mint, which is owned by subsidiary of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), released its new R2 coin circulation, in Centurion Gauteng.
South African Mint Managing Director Tumi Tsehlo unveiled the coin.
The coin is themed and commemorating, ‘Environmental Rights’ as part of its coin programme launched last month to commemorate 25 years of South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
The SA25 themed Celebrating South Africa coin series features five commemorative R2 circulation coins, a commemorative R5 coin and three collectable coins in gold, silver and bronze alloy.
Tsehlo said Pretoria-based artist, Maaike Bakker, designed the coin.
“The reverse (tails) of the R2 circulation coin features an illustration representing the environment showing water and a fish, land with plants and the sky with clouds and the sun. These symbols highlight the idea of a well-balanced, protected environment that is not harmful to the well-being of those inhabiting it. The features are direct communication about environment that is not harmful to the well-being of those inhabiting it”, he said.
Artist, Maaike Bakker added that elements within the composition highlights the aim to protect the environment for future generations. She said the design was inspired by the country’s great outdoors, access to which is guaranteed by the South African constitution.
“The obverse (heads) features the national coat of arms together with the date of issue, ‘2019’, and the words ‘South Africa’ written in English and ‘Afrika-Dzonga’ in Xitsonga. The coin is emblematic of our natural heritage and every time you receive it as part of change, we hope you are encouraged to contribute towards saving the environment for the future generations. South Africans will soon find these coins in their change; and are encouraged to find, collect and keep these special SA25 circulation coins through a specially designed collectors’ folder produced to hold all the six coins. This folder can be collected, at no cost, from the South African Mint’s retail store in Centurion, as well as the various other outlets mentioned on the SA25 website”, said Bakker.
SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago released SA25 range of commemorative circulation coins in June. It was part of celebrating and marking 25 years of SA’s constitutional democracy, together with a series of collectible coins.
