The 10c coin features the Cape honey bee, which is indigenous to Southern Africa. The bee plays a vital role in South Africa's agriculture and agricultural economy by pollinating crops and producing honey.  

The Arum Lily is a distinguished southern African flower. It originally appeared on the 50c coins from 1965-1989. From 1990 onwards it was featured on the 10c coins as part of the country’s 3rd decimal series. In 2012 the plating on the 10c coin was changed from bronze to copper, giving it a reddish appearance.

The 20c features the bitter aloe, a tall and single-stemmed plant that can reach a height of up to 10 feet (3 metres). It has thick and fleshy leaves that are arranged in rosettes and adorned with reddish-brown spines on the margins, along with smaller spines on the upper and lower surfaces.

The King Protea, South Africa’s national flower, first appeared on the tickey and sixpence from 1925 to 1960 and again in the 1st decimal series (1961-1964) on the 2½c and 5c. The Protea was chosen for the reverse of the 20c in the 2nd series (1965-1989) and 3rd coin series.

The 50 cents features the Knysna turaco, which is commonly known in South Africa as a Knysna Lourie or in Afrikaans as the Knysna loerie. It is found in the green forests of southern and eastern South Africa and Swaziland.

The Strelitzia (Crane Flower or Bird-Of-Paradise Flower) first appeared together with the Arum Lily and Blue Agapanthus on the 50c coin (1965-1990) as part of the 2nd decimal series, and alone on the 50c in the 3rd series.

The R1 features the king protea, the national flower of South Africa. It is a distinctive member of the protea family, known for its large flower head. The king protea is not only a symbol of South Africa's natural beauty, but it is also used as an emblem by our national sports teams, including cricket and netball.

The Springbok, South Africa’s national animal, was first depicted on the silver crown coins from 1947-1951 and 1953-1959. The Springbok was once again chosen for the reverse of the silver 50c (1961-1964), the gold £1 and gold £½ (1952-1960) and the gold R1 and R2 (1961-1964). It was again depicted on the 50c from 1960-1964. From 1977 to 1990, the Springbok appeared on the R1 nickel coins and from 1990 to date, on the smaller R1 in the 3rd series. The Springbok is also depicted on the reverse of our world-renowned Krugerrand.

The R2 denomination features the springbok, which is the national animal of South Africa and is predominantly found in southern and southwestern Africa. It is also the nickname of our national rugby team.

The Kudu, “King of Antelope”, was chosen for the reverse of the R2 coin which replaced the banknote in the 3rd decimal series. The wide spiralling horns are characteristic of the male kudu, which make it one of Africa’s most impressive antelope.

The Kudu, “King of Antelope”, was chosen for the reverse of the R2 coin which replaced the banknote in the 3rd decimal series. The wide spiralling horns are characteristic of the male kudu, which make it one of Africa’s most impressive antelope.

This coin depicts the essence of joy, which all children should experience. It reminds us that all children in our nation are entitled to equal protection and should be able to exercise their rights.

This coin celebrates the potential of education to transform the lives of people of all ages. The building block, open book and graduation cap represent the importance of early learning, access to quality schooling and higher education

All South Africans share the right to access unspoiled natural resources. This coin depicts some of the resources we need for our survival, like safe water, food and air.

All South Africans share the right to access unspoiled natural resources. This coin depicts some of the resources we need for our survival, like safe water, food and air.

The bird holding a key represents the right of all South Africans to freedom of movement. The taxi and aeroplane show that we have the right to choose our place of residence, to travel and be welcomed home.