South Africa

South African rand banknotes from the South African Reserve Bank, from the 1980s to the Big Five wildlife series.

Look for signature varieties, such as the de Kock signature on the 1984 50 rand.

History and frequently asked questions below ↓

About South Africa banknotes

South Africa introduced the rand in 1961, replacing the pound at two rand to one pound. The Reserve Bank's 1990s series replaced portraits with the "Big Five": lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard. Since 2012 Nelson Mandela has appeared on the front of every note.

See also: African banknotes, Namibia, Botswana and banknotes with animals.

Frequently asked questions

What are the Big Five?

Lion, elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo and leopard, shown on South African notes since the 1990s.

When did Mandela appear on the rand?

In 2012, on the front of every denomination.

When was the rand introduced?

In 1961, replacing the South African pound.

Are your South African banknotes genuine?

Yes. Every South African note we sell is a genuine banknote, never a copy or replica. Each listing states the grade, gives the Pick catalogue number where one exists and shows the front and back, and every order ships tracked from Hungary.