From the Curatorial Desk · Big Five Banknotes
The Mamelodi series, 1992–2012.
South Africa's first banknotes without a person on them — and the rhino, elephant, lion, buffalo and leopard who replaced him.
The first South African banknote series to feature the Big Five animals — white rhinoceros, African elephant, lion, Cape buffalo and leopard. Named after the Pretoria suburb where the South African Bank Note Company is located, this series marked a significant departure from the Van Riebeeck portrait that had dominated for twenty-five years.
Edited by Ben Ungerer & Johan Ungerer · The Jardines Curatorial Desk
Overview
A Thematic DepartureThe Mamelodi series was introduced in 1992, named after the Pretoria suburb where the South African Bank Note Company (SABN) is located. It represented a major thematic shift — moving away from the Jan van Riebeeck portrait that had appeared on South African banknotes since 1967.
Five denominations were issued: R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200. Each denomination featured a different member of the Big Five on the obverse, with reverse designs depicting various aspects of South African industry, agriculture, and economy.
The series was replaced in November 2012 by the Mandela series, which moved Nelson Mandela's portrait to the obverse and relocated the Big Five animals to the reverse1.
Denominations & the Big Five
Five Notes · Five Animals| Note | Colour | Obverse (Animal) | Reverse Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| R10 | Green | White rhinoceros | Agriculture and mining |
| R20 | Brown | African elephant | Farming and livestock |
| R50 | Red / purple | African lion | Industry and manufacturing |
| R100 | Blue | African buffalo | Trade and commerce |
| R200 | Orange / yellow | Leopard | Transport and infrastructure |
The choice of the Big Five was significant — these animals are iconic symbols of South Africa's wildlife heritage and remain among the most recognised national symbols worldwide.
Signature varieties
Three GovernorsThe Mamelodi series spans the terms of three Governors of the South African Reserve Bank, each with distinct signature varieties.
Dr. C.L. Stals
— Notes —First issues of the Mamelodi series (1992 – 1999). His signature appears on early printings with Afrikaans-predominant text.
Mr. T.T. Mboweni
— Notes —His signature appears on Mamelodi notes from this period, with English gradually becoming more prominent.
Ms. G. Marcus
— Notes —Final years of the Mamelodi series (2009 – 2012). Her signature appears on the last printings before the Mandela series launch.
Security features
Six Layers- Watermark. Animal and denomination value, visible when held to light.
- Security thread. Windowed security thread with microprinting.
- Colour-shifting ink. On higher denominations (R100, R200) — the denomination numeral changes colour when tilted.
- Microprinting. Tiny text visible under magnification.
- UV features. Fluorescent elements visible under ultraviolet light.
- Raised print. Intaglio printing creates a tactile feel for the visually impaired.
Collector value guide
UNC EstimatesMamelodi series notes are generally affordable for collectors, with values varying based on condition, signature variety, and prefix. The following estimates are based on general numismatic market data.
| Note | Date Range | Signature | UNC Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| R10 | 1992 – 1999 | Stals | $15 – $25 |
| R10 | 1999 – 2009 | Mboweni | $10 – $20 |
| R10 | 2009 – 2012 | Marcus | $10 – $20 |
| R20 | 1992 – 2012 | All | $15 – $30 |
| R50 | 1992 – 2012 | All | $20 – $40 |
| R100 | 1992 – 2012 | All | $25 – $50 |
| R200 | 1992 – 2012 | All | $30 – $60 |
A complete set of all five denominations in Uncirculated condition can typically be assembled for $100 – $200, making this an accessible series for new collectors.
All South African banknotes remain legal tender for their face value1. Notes can be exchanged at commercial banks or at the SARB Head Office in Pretoria.
Replacement by the Mandela series
6 November 2012On 6 November 2012, the South African Reserve Bank introduced the Mandela series, which moved Nelson Mandela's portrait to the obverse and relocated the Big Five animals to the reverse1. Reserve Bank Governor Gill Marcus stated at the launch:
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.
Gill Marcus · SARB Governor, Mandela series launch, 20121
The Mamelodi series continued to circulate alongside the new notes and remains legal tender today.
Sources
Four ReferencesBrand South Africa. Mandela banknotes set to hit the streets (31 October 2012).
South African Reserve Bank. Banknotes and Coin.
Hern, Brian. The Standard Catalogue of South African Coins, Medals and Tokens.
Coin World. South Africa issues revised note series for 2023.
Revision history
Living DocumentKeep exploring
Related ReadingVan Riebeeck series
The 1967 – 1992 portrait series that the Mamelodi replaced — and the Vermuyden misidentification at its heart.
Next Era →Mandela series
The 2012-present series — Mandela on the obverse, Big Five on the reverse, and the largest design overhaul since the founding of the Reserve Bank.
Banknotes HubAll South African banknotes
The full banknote reference, from the handwritten VOC paper of 1782 through the Mandela commemorative issues.