A Decimal Coin System for South Africa (1961 - 1964)
1961 heralded great changes. The Republic of South Africa was proclaimed and the country ceased to be a member of the British Commonwealth. South Africa released a decimal coin system in 1961. The coins were converted to decimal equivalent. The half-pound became the new monetary unit, the Rand, and the one-shilling became 10c. A new one-cent and half cent were introduced to replace the penny and half penny. All coins were still the same size as the British coins.
From 1960 to 1962, a parliamentary committee investigated the possibility of a new coin series. The British size coins were considered too large and a new coin series was introduced in 1965. These coins were not only smaller but also contained no silver. The silver coins were replaced with pure nickel. This series ranged from 1c to 50c and was considered "a very modern series that would satisfy the demand for a long time"!
A new factor emerged in the mid seventies. High inflation forced South Africa to introduce a R1 coin. To fit the R1 into the series proved difficult. As it was to remain a white coin it would either become very large or the alloy had to be changed. A silver Rand piece was retained but a smaller nickel R1 was added to the series in 1977.
An increased demand for circulation coins forced the Government to upgrade the historical site at 103 Visagie Street in Pretoria. A new building was erected on the same site and was opened on 22nd November 1978.
A new factor emerged in the mid seventies. High inflation forced South Africa to introduce a R1 coin. To fit the R1 into the series proved difficult. As it was to remain a white coin it would either become very large or the alloy had to be changed. A silver Rand piece was retained but a smaller nickel R1 was added to the series in 1977.
An increased demand for circulation coins forced the Government to upgrade the historical site at 103 Visagie Street in Pretoria. A new building was erected on the same site and was opened on 22nd November 1978.
