Owner Comments:
Joint Finest Known! (1/4)
Total Graded: 74
Mintage: 2,341
The Rand currency was introduced in the then Union of South Africa on 14 February 1961, shortly before the establishment of the Republic on 31 May 1961. The One Rand coin was initially a gold bullion coin equal to the earlier gold half pound, which was itself equal to a British half sovereign (minted, among others, at the Pretoria branch of the Royal Mint - now the South African Mint, until 1932).
Silver One Rand coins started to be issued for regular circulation in 1965. This was then changed to nickel in 1977, with silver only used for commemorative and collector issues. In 1990 the nickel coin was made much smaller due to its value being much lower than before owing to inflation. The silver commemorative Rand was discontinued in this format and in 1991, the Protea One Rand (non-circulating legal tender) was introduced instead, with different composition.
Obverse
The obverse of the coin features the portrait of Johan Anthoniszoon van Riebeeck, known as Jan van Riebeeck (1619-1677), Dutch colonial administrator and founder of Cape Town and considered by many people to be the founding father of the South African nation. Below the neck truncation, the designer's initials T.S. (for Tommy Sasseen).
Around right, the legend SOUTH AFRICA in English and the date of issue 1965.
Reverse
The reverse shows a Springbok antelope, jumping to the right.
Above the Springbok and to the left, the motto SOLI DEO GLORIA (translated from Latin: Glory to God alone).
Below, the value and denomination 1 RAND.
Below left, the artist's initials J v Z. (for Jan van Zyl).