Denominations
R10, R20, R50, R100, R200
Obverse
Nelson Mandela
Reverse
Big Five animals (2012–2022), Families (2023)
Signatures
Marcus (2012–2014), Kganyago (2014–present)
Mandela Series Banknotes (2012–present)
The first South African banknotes to feature Nelson Mandela on the obverse, with the Big Five animals on the reverse. Launched in 2012, this series represents a historic shift in South Africa's currency, honouring the country's first democratically elected president.
Key Facts
- Launched: 6 November 2012
- Nelson Mandela on obverse
- Big Five animals on reverse (2012–2022)
- 2018: Special commemorative R50
- 2023: Updated design with animal families
Overview
On 6 November 2012, the South African Reserve Bank introduced a new series of banknotes featuring the image of former President Nelson Mandela on the obverse . The series moved Mandela's portrait to the front of the notes and relocated the Big Five animals – which had appeared on the obverse of the previous Mamelodi series – to the reverse .
At the launch, Reserve Bank Governor Gill Marcus stated: "South Africa's currency was a unique symbol of our nationhood, with many of us handling banknotes every day. The Reserve Bank is proud to be able to honour South Africa's struggle icon and first democratically elected president in this way" .
The series originally consisted of five denominations: R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200. All notes are printed by the South African Bank Note Company in Pretoria .
Original Designs (2012–2022)
| Denomination | Colour | Obverse | Reverse Animal |
|---|---|---|---|
| R10 | Green | Nelson Mandela | White rhinoceros |
| R20 | Brown | Nelson Mandela | African elephant |
| R50 | Red/Purple | Nelson Mandela | African lion |
| R100 | Blue | Nelson Mandela | African buffalo |
| R200 | Orange/Yellow | Nelson Mandela | Leopard |
The notes also feature South Africa's 11 official languages, displayed in a combination across the series – a unique feature among world currencies .
Signature Varieties
The Mandela series spans the terms of two Governors of the South African Reserve Bank, with distinct signature varieties.
Ms. Gill Marcus (2009–2014)
Term: November 2009 – November 2014
Notes: Marcus launched the Mandela series in 2012. Her signature appears on the first issues from 2012 to 2014.
Mr. Lesetja Kganyago (2014–present)
Term: November 2014 – present
Notes: Kganyago's signature appears on all Mandela series notes from 2014 onward, including the 2018 commemorative and the 2023 updated series.
2018 Centenary Commemorative R50
On 13 July 2018, the SARB issued its first-ever commemorative banknote series to celebrate the centenary of Nelson Mandela's birth . The R50 note featured a special reverse design depicting the Robben Island cell where Mandela was imprisoned, with the words "A LIFE LIVED FOR OTHERS" and "CENTENARY" .
Commemorative R50 Specifications
- Date of issue: 13 July 2018
- Obverse: Standard Mandela portrait
- Reverse: Robben Island cell, "A LIFE LIVED FOR OTHERS"
- Denomination: R50 (red/purple)
- Signature: Lesetja Kganyago
This commemorative issue is highly collectible and commands a premium over standard circulation notes, especially in Uncirculated condition.
2023 Updated Mandela Series
In May 2023, the SARB announced an updated version of the Mandela series . The notes retain Mandela's portrait and the Big Five theme, but with significant design changes:
- Animal families: The reverse now depicts the Big Five as families rather than single animals – reflecting themes of unity and family .
- Constitution microtext: The preamble to the South African Constitution is printed in microtext around Mandela's portrait .
- National flag: The South African flag appears on both sides of the notes .
- Enhanced security: Upgraded security features, including improved colour-shifting ink and windowed security threads .
- Deeper colours: The colour palette is slightly deeper and more vibrant .
The 2023 update ensures the notes remain at the forefront of security and design while continuing to honour Mandela's legacy.
Security Features
The Mandela series incorporates multiple security features to prevent counterfeiting, following the "Look, Feel and Tilt" principle .
LOOK
- Watermark: Nelson Mandela portrait and denomination value
- Security thread: Windowed thread with colour shift and microprinting
- Perfect registration: Elements printed on front and back align perfectly
FEEL
- Raised print: Intaglio printing creates a tactile texture
- Tactile marks: Raised diamonds for the visually impaired (1–5 diamonds)
TILT
- Colour-shifting ink: Denomination numeral changes colour when tilted
- Shimmering band: Gold or silver band reveals animal motif
Collector Value Guide
Mandela series notes are generally affordable for collectors, with the 2018 commemorative commanding a premium. Values vary based on condition, signature, and whether the note is a standard issue or commemorative.
| Denomination | Type | Signature | UNC Value (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| R10 | Standard (2012–2014) | Marcus | $10–15 |
| R10 | Standard (2014–2022) | Kganyago | $8–12 |
| R20 | All | Both | $10–15 |
| R50 | Standard | Both | $15–25 |
| R50 | 2018 Commemorative | Kganyago | $30–50 |
| R100 | Standard | Both | $20–30 |
| R200 | Standard | Both | $25–40 |
Sources
- Brand South Africa. "Mandela banknotes set to hit the streets" (31 October 2012) .
- South African Reserve Bank. "Banknotes and coin" .
- Coin World. "South Africa issues revised note series for 2023" (May 2023) .
- Business Tech. "How South Africa's banknotes have changed: 1994 to 2023" (2023) .
- South African Mint. "South African Mint releases the Krugerrand 'Lost Hoard'" (February 2021) .