From the Curatorial Desk · Madiba on the Note
The Mandela series, 2012–present.
Madiba on the obverse, the Big Five on the reverse — the first South African banknotes to carry a person who wasn't a Dutch coloniser.
The first South African banknotes to feature Nelson Mandela on the obverse, with the Big Five animals relocated to the reverse. Launched in 2012, expanded with a centenary commemorative in 2018, and refreshed with new animal-family designs in 2023.
Edited byBen Ungerer & Johan Ungerer · The Jardines Curatorial Desk
Overview
A Historic ShiftOn 6 November 2012, the South African Reserve Bank introduced a new series of banknotes featuring the image of former President Nelson Mandela on the obverse1. 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 reverse1.
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.
Gill Marcus · SARB Governor, Mandela series launch, 20121
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 Pretoria2.
Original designs (2012 – 2022)
Mandela · Big Five Reverse| Note | 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 eleven official languages, displayed in a combination across the series — a unique feature among world currencies1.
Signature varieties
Two GovernorsThe Mandela series spans the terms of two Governors of the South African Reserve Bank, with distinct signature varieties.
Ms. Gill Marcus
— Notes —Marcus launched the Mandela series in 2012. Her signature appears on the first issues from 2012 to 2014.
Mr. Lesetja Kganyago
— 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
A Life Lived for OthersOn 13 July 2018, the SARB issued its first-ever commemorative banknote series to celebrate the centenary of Nelson Mandela's birth1. 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"1.
The Robben Island R50.
The reverse depicts the Robben Island cell where Mandela spent eighteen of his twenty-seven years in prison — the cell now preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The phrase "A Life Lived for Others" sits beneath the image.
- Date of issue13 July 2018
- ObverseStandard Mandela portrait
- ReverseRobben Island cell · "A Life Lived for Others"
- DenominationR50 (red / purple)
- SignatureLesetja Kganyago
Collector note — This commemorative issue is highly collectible and commands a premium over standard circulation notes, especially in Uncirculated condition.
The 2023 refresh
Families, Microtext, FlagIn May 2023, the SARB announced an updated version of the Mandela series3. 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 family3.
- Constitution microtext. The preamble to the South African Constitution is printed in microtext around Mandela's portrait3.
- National flag. The South African flag appears on both sides of the notes3.
- Enhanced security. Upgraded security features, including improved colour-shifting ink and windowed security threads3.
- Deeper colours. The colour palette is slightly deeper and more vibrant3.
The 2023 update ensures the notes remain at the forefront of security and design while continuing to honour Mandela's legacy.
Security features
Look · Feel · TiltThe Mandela series incorporates multiple security features to prevent counterfeiting, following the "Look, Feel and Tilt" principle2.
- 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.
- Raised print. Intaglio printing creates a tactile texture.
- Tactile marks. Raised diamonds for the visually impaired (1 – 5 diamonds by denomination).
- Colour-shifting ink. Denomination numeral changes colour when tilted.
- Shimmering band. Gold or silver band reveals animal motif.
Collector value guide
UNC EstimatesMandela 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.
| Note | Type | Signature | UNC Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Centenary commemorative | Kganyago | $30 – $50 |
| R100 | Standard | Both | $20 – $30 |
| R200 | Standard | Both | $25 – $40 |
All South African banknotes remain legal tender for their face value2. Notes can be exchanged at commercial banks or at the SARB Head Office in Pretoria.
Sources
Five ReferencesBrand 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).
Revision history
Living DocumentKeep exploring
Related ReadingMamelodi series
The Big-Five-on-the-obverse series (1992 – 2012) that the Mandela notes replaced, and which still circulates as legal tender today.
Next →Polymer notes
What happens after the paper notes — the polymer-substrate banknotes coming to South African currency.
Banknotes HubAll South African banknotes
The full banknote reference, from the handwritten VOC paper of 1782 through the present-day Mandela commemorative issues.