South Africa's fourth decimal coin series features designs on the 6 coins the plants, insects and other animals, emphasising the equal importance of all living organisms.

This is the first time that an aquatic animal and an insect featured on the South African circulation coins

The R5 coin features the Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis). These mammals are found in the open waters of the southern hemisphere and visit the South African coastline between July and December each year for mating and calving.

The Springbok (Antidoercas marsupialis) is featured on the R2 coin and represents land animals in the ecology-themed coin series. This national animal of South Africa has a striking white face with dark stripes from the eyes to the mouth.

Protea cynaroides, the king protea, is the national flower of South Africa and shown on the R1 coin, and is widely distributed in the fynbos.

The Knysna Turaco, or Tauraco corythaix, is depicted on the 50c coin. The primary red feathers of this green bird are only visible in flight, providing flashes of colour in the evergreen forests where they are found, especially around Knysna in the Garden Route of South Africa.

The 20c coin features the Aloe fero, commonly known as the Bitter Aloe, which is amongst the tallest of aloes. Indigenous to South Africa, it is revered for its beauty and medicinal uses.

The Cape Honey Bee(Apis mellifera capensis) is endemic to South Africa and is featured on the 10c coin. These bees are important for the pollination of the flowers, fruits, berries and vegetables of the Cape, which depends on the pollination for survival.