The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has released the designs of its commemorative banknotes and coins for Nelson Mandela’s birth centenary, ahead of the launch on July 13.
The central bank on Wednesday issued a statement indicating that test packs of the commemorative notes were made available to the cash industry to make preparations for cash processing, cash dispensing machines and ticket machines, among other things.
Although the designs have been treated with confidentiality, there were breaches, and some of the designs have been circulating on social media, the SARB said.
"In order to avoid confusion and unnecessary speculation, the SARB has decided to release all the designs ahead of the official launch scheduled for 13 July 2018," the bank said.
More details about the features of the notes and additional security features will be made available at the official launch, the bank added.
Earlier this year the SARB announced plans to honour Mandela with commemorative banknotes covering all denominations; R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200.
The SA Mint, a subsidiary of the Reserve Bank, will also launch a commemorative R5 coin.
The commemorative banknotes and R5 coin will co-circulate for a limited time.
"It is envisaged that these notes will be issued into circulation by 18 July 2018," the SARB said. The commemorative banknotes and R5 coin will co-circulate for a limited time, with the current Mandela banknote series and the existing R5 coin.
Take a look at the bank notes and coin below:
Mandela Commemorative R5 Coin
* Sign up to Fin24's top news in your inbox: SUBSCRIBE TO FIN24 NEWSLETTER