Catch a peek at the country’s new R5 coin
Have you found one of the new coins following their recent release into circulation?
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/51/2016/01/04msrand2-Large.jpg)
LAST year marked the 200th anniversary of the first coinage in South Africa, and to commemorate the 2nd centenary The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) issued a brand new coin for circulation.
The new Griqua Town themed R5 coins were recently unveiled at the SARB, by the governor, Lesetja Kganyago.
According to a press release issued by SARB the currency was inspired by the original Griqua Town coin created in 1815, which had ‘far-reaching significance as the first South African currency, the country’s first decimal coinage and the world’s first Christian Missionary coinage’.
The coin is reportedly the fourth commemorative R5 issued by the SARB, since the first bi-metal R5 was introduced in 2004.
In 2008 the SANBC also launched a new coin in honour of former president, Nelson Mandela on his 90th birthday while another was introduced for circulation in 2014 in celebration of 20 years of democracy.
If you haven’t caught a glimpse of the aesthetically pleasing coin, it has the image of the 1815 Griqua Town coin as well as the words ‘Coinage of Griqua Town 200’ and the date ‘1815 – 2015’ on the back.
The front showcases the South African Coat of Arms and the SARB abbreviation.
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