1 Rand
South Africa 1 Rand (Nickel Type)
South Africa, South African Mint · 1977-1990
A silver-colored nickel coin featuring a springbok on the reverse and the South African Coat of Arms on the obverse.
- Country
- South Africa, South African Mint
- Year
- 1977-1990
- Denomination
- 1 Rand
- Metal
- Nickel
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Overview
A silver-colored nickel coin featuring a springbok on the reverse and the South African Coat of Arms on the obverse.
Historical significance
This coin represents the apartheid-era currency of South Africa. The springbok is the national animal and has been a staple of South African numismatics since the introduction of the Rand in 1961.
Obverse (front)
The 1930 - 1994 Coat of Arms of South Africa with the motto 'Ex Unitate Vires' and the country name in English and Afrikaans ('SOUTH AFRICA' and 'SUID-AFRIKA').
Reverse (back)
A galloping springbok, the denomination '1 RAND' above it, and the date flanking the animal.
Estimated value
$0.50 - $2.00 in circulated condition; $5.00 - $12.00 in high Mint State grades.
What drives this coin's value
Condition and year of issue are the primary factors. Later dates in the 1980s are extremely common.
Grade assessment
Fine to Very Fine; the images are blurry, but significant wear is visible on the high points of the springbok and the coat of arms shield.
Mintage & rarity
Common; mintages for these years typically range in the millions annually.
Authenticity & counterfeit red flags
Check for magnetic properties (nickel is magnetic) and ensure the weight is close to 12 grams. Counterfeits for this specific nickel circulation issue are rare.
Notable varieties & errors
No major varieties are highly sought after for this specific nickel type, though die cracks are sometimes seen.
Similar coins
Often confused with the smaller 1990-present brass-plated steel Rand or the earlier silver Rand (1961-1964) which is much more valuable due to bullion content.
Care & preservation
Handle by the edges to avoid fingerprints. Store in a PVC-free flip or capsule to prevent environmental spotting on the nickel surface.
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