From the Curatorial Desk · Polymer Substrate
The first polymer notes, 2023–present.
A new substrate. A transparent window. And second place at the international banknote of the year.
South Africa's first polymer (plastic) banknotes, introduced in May 2023 for the R10 and R20 denominations. These notes represent a significant advancement in durability, security, and environmental sustainability, and were internationally recognised as one of the best new banknotes of 2023.
Edited byBen Ungerer & Johan Ungerer · The Jardines Curatorial Desk
Introduction of polymer notes
4 May 2023In 2023, the South African Reserve Bank introduced polymer versions of the R10 and R20 banknotes to improve durability and security. The notes entered circulation on 4 May 20231. Polymer notes typically last two to three times longer than paper notes, reducing replacement costs and environmental impact over time.
The design closely follows the Mandela series, with Nelson Mandela on the obverse and the Big Five animals on the reverse, but incorporates enhanced security features made possible by the polymer substrate.
International recognition
Banknote of the Year 2023The South African 10 Rand polymer note was voted 2nd place in the Banknote of the Year 2023 competition organised by Geldscheine-Online and Münzen & Sammeln magazine1.
Polymer commemorative · Chinese Year of the Dragon
10 Rand polymer1
Commemorative · first anniversary of war
This international recognition highlights the quality and innovation of South Africa's first polymer banknotes.
Denominations & substrates
Polymer · Paper MixAs of 2026, only the R10 and R20 denominations have been issued in polymer. The R50, R100, and R200 remain on cotton-based paper substrate2.
| Note | Colour | Substrate | Obverse | Reverse Animal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R10 | Green | Polymer | Nelson Mandela | White rhinoceros |
| R20 | Brown | Polymer | Nelson Mandela | African elephant |
| R50 | Red / purple | Paper | Nelson Mandela | African lion |
| R100 | Blue | Paper | Nelson Mandela | African buffalo |
| R200 | Orange / yellow | Paper | Nelson Mandela | Leopard |
Polymer security features
Seven LayersPolymer notes incorporate enhanced security features that are more difficult to counterfeit than traditional paper notes. The following features are present on the South African polymer R10 and R20 notes345.
Transparent window
A clear polymer window with intricate design elements. When held to the light, the window reveals detailed patterns and microprinting that are impossible to replicate on paper notes3.
Watermark & image splitting
The image of a lion is split into different printed elements on each side of the note. It is only visible as a complete image when held up to the light3. The note also features a watermark of the denomination and national symbols5.
Security thread
Embedded security thread with microprinting "SARB" and the denomination value, visible when held to light5.
Microprinting
Tiny text visible only under magnification, difficult to reproduce accurately4.
Colour-shifting ink
Denomination numeral changes colour when the note is tilted34.
Raised print · intaglio
Tactile raised printing helps the visually impaired identify denominations, including raised printed slashes on the edges of the notes34.
UV features
Fluorescent elements visible only under ultraviolet light4.
Collecting polymer notes
First-Year IssuesFirst-year issues (2023) of the polymer R10 and R20 are already sought by collectors. The recognition as 2nd place "Banknote of the Year 2023" has increased international demand for these notes.
- First-day covers. Some collectors seek notes with early serial numbers (prefix AA or AB).
- Uncirculated sets. Available from commercial banks at face value (R30 for R10 + R20).
- Commemorative value. As South Africa's first polymer notes, they represent a significant milestone in the country's monetary history.
- Future potential. If higher denominations are eventually issued in polymer, early low-denomination notes may become more collectible as a complete set.
Some online sources incorrectly state that South Africa has not released polymer notes for circulation2. This information is outdated; the polymer R10 and R20 were confirmed in circulation from 4 May 20231. Collectors should rely on current official SARB announcements.
Sources
Six ReferencesGeldscheine-Online / Münzen & Sammeln. Die Banknote des Jahres 2023 (March 2024).
Colnect. Banknotes of South Africa (wiki).
Euronet. Banknotes and their security features.
StudyX. Describe the various features used in producing banknotes.
StudyX. Name two security features on the South African banknote.
South African Reserve Bank. Press releases (2023).
Revision history
Living DocumentKeep exploring
Related ReadingMandela series
The 2012-present paper series — Mandela on the obverse, Big Five on the reverse, and the basis for the polymer designs that followed.
Next →Siege notes
The Anglo-Boer War emergency currency — siege notes from Mafeking, Kimberley, and other besieged towns (1899 – 1902).
Banknotes HubAll South African banknotes
The full banknote reference, from the handwritten VOC paper of 1782 through these present-day polymer issues.