Between 2003 and 2004, a counterfeit R5 coin was circulating in South Africa. Although it was not an exact match of the original, it was convincing enough to fool many people.
This prompted the Reserve Bank in South Africa to redesign the coin in order to outsmart the counterfeiters.
By 28 July 2004, South Africa had a new R5 coin. It was bi-metal, with a silver-coloured border and a bronze-coloured centre. It was also thicker and heavier than the old coin.
The new coin went into circulation on 2 August 2004.
Information sourced from: South African History Online.
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