Owner Comments:

WOW - Stand-alone Finest Known MS! (1/1)

Total Graded: 9

Mintage: 12,230

With the introduction of the Third Decimal Series in 1990, the R1 was changed to nickel-plated copper and was made smaller.

Its reverse features a new design of the iconic Springbok antelope, the national animal of South Africa which featured on the pre-decimal five shillings, half pound and one pound coins, the silver fifty cents and on the Krugerrand bullion coin series. The motto Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God alone) was retained from the earlier design. On various occasions, commemorative one rand coins are also issued.

The 1990 issue commemorates the presidency of Pieter Willem Botha (1916 - 2006) who served as the last Prime Minister from 1978 to 1984 and the first executive State President of South Africa from 1984 to 1989.

R1 coins issued in 1990 have now been in circulation for 33 years. The 1990 one rand of this type was issued in the annual Brilliant Uncirculated mint sets only.

Obverse
Instead of the Coat of Arms of South Africa, the obverse of the 1990 coins displays a bust of Pieter Willem Botha, South Africa's sixth president and first executive State President, facing three-quarters right.

Below the shoulder truncation, on the left side, the initials of the obverse designer: ALS (for Arthur Sutherland).

Around left and around right, the bilingual legend reads SOUTH AFRICA in English and SUID-AFRIKA in Afrikaans.

Below, the date of issue 1990.

Reverse
Within a recessed square with rounded corners, the reverse shows a Springbok antelope, jumping to the right.

Above that, the value and denomination 1 RAND.

Below the Springbok, the motto SOLI DEO GLORIA (translated from Latin: Glory to God alone).

In the lower left, the artist's initials LL (for Linda Lotriet).