The South African Mint’s true treasure trove was given a sleek and modern upgrade in 2018. Although you cannot visit the museum now due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the related restrictions, we’d like to give you a glimpse of what to expect when you are able to visit again.
Allow us to take you on a journey through the history of currency in South Africa; its evolution makes for an intriguing narrative of the very formation of the Republic.
The early inhabitants of South Africa used a bartering system for the exchange of goods and services. They would trade using anything from livestock to shells, beads, crafted items, handmade jewellery, tools and weapons. The Khoisan and San used ostrich eggs and shell beads, and the Zulus used iron spear points.
Metal artefacts such as the Katanga crosses, Manilla bracelets and a Gitzi penny, which are on display in the museum, are beautiful examples of early African currency which was valued for both the craftsman’s artistry and the piece’s weight in metals.
Today, the 1, 2 and 5 cent coin minting has ceased, and a new bi-metal R5 coin was introduced into circulation in 2004 with added security features, including a grooved edge and micro-lettering on the reverse. Commemorative R5 and R2 coins that celebrate milestones and symbols of South Africa’s freedom, democracy and culture also form part of the current South African currency.
While you navigate the different eras to discover where the South African currency came from, put your kids on a mission to find the gold in this captivating maze game…
Click here to download the maze game.
Now that you know exactly how South African currency came to be, look out for next month’s newsletter where you will learn how the coin designs you see today are transferred from sketch to metal.
