Coin History - Union of SA

1910 to 1960

In 1919 an act was passed for the establishment of the Pretoria branch of the Royal Mint and in 1922 the passing of the Coinage Act gave authority for gold, silver and bronze coins to be made. The first issues were struck in 1923 and proof sets were issued in cardboard and wood presentation cases.

Mappin & Webb manufactured a velvet lined case for this issue as well. Three partial 1926 proof sets (no 2/ - or 1/2d) were issued over a period of years at the insistence of a keen numismatist. These were unrecorded until the 1950's when three sets surfaced as well as a set which in addition did not have a shilling. Subsequently in the 1980's a shilling in proof surfaced which was matched with the fourth set. There are only 4 complete sets known, making this the rarest proof set in the SA series.

The first issues other than gold bear the effigy of George V's head crowned. Gold sovereigns and half sovereigns are identical to the British issue, except for the letters "S.A." under the dragon on the reverse. No coins were struck in South Africa bearing the effigy of King Edward Viii. The silver and bronze coins of King George VI bear the effigy of his head uncrowned.

In 1947 the crown piece was added in honour of the visit of King George VI to South Africa in that year. This was at the request of various South African numismatic societies. Due to the popularity of the 5/ - it was decided to continue the series. In 1959 no 5/ - pieces were to be issued due to sufficient production in prior years. However, at the request of collectors not to break the series a small quantity was struck. In 1948, with India having gained its independence in 1947, the word "imperator" - Imperor - was removed. When Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne, coins bearing her effigy were issued from 1953 until 1960.

The Royal Mint Pretoria operated as a branch of the Royal Mint, London until 1st July 1941, when it was taken over by the Union Government and became the South African Mint. Countries for which coins were also struck in this period are the Belgian Congo, British West Africa, East Africa, Egypt, French Cameroon, French Equatorial Africa, India, Madagascar, Mauritius and the Seychelles. At the outbreak of the war in September 1939 the mint was also required to expand and utilise its facilities for the production of small arms ammunition. In subsequent years it also included supplementary work such as the manufacture of medals and seals.

Various patterns were struck in 1923 and in subsequent years - most exceedingly rare and mostly in museum collections. In the years just prior to 1961 preparations were made for decimalisation.

Silver coins were issued in the period 1923 to 1950 - 80% silver and 20% alloy. Due to the increase in price and scarcity of silver it was decided to reduce this to 50% in 1951.