Before the Union of South Africa was formed in 1910, the region had various currencies, with the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek issuing notable gold coins like Krugerrands. After the Union, South Africa adopted the pound sterling and issued coins in British denominations. In 1961, when South Africa became a republic, the rand replaced the pound, and new coins were introduced, including the famous Krugerrand in 1967.
South Africa’s currency remains the rand (ZAR), with the following denominations in circulation: 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, 1 rand, 2 rand, and 5 rand. The 10 cent coin is made of copper-plated steel, while the 20 cent and 50 cent coins are made of bronze-plated steel.
However, the 1 rand and 2 rand coins are made of nickel-plated steel, and the 5 rand coin is bimetallic, with a nickel-plated copper outer ring and a brass-plated steel inner core. These coins reflect South Africa's rich natural heritage, with most of the designs featuring native animals and plants.