1961 South Africa ½ Cent (First Decimal Issue)

A genuine brass Half Cent struck in 1961 — the very first year of South Africa's decimal coinage era. Issued for only four years (1961–1964), this denomination was discontinued making it one of the rarest and most collectible coins of the Republic period. This coin bears the classic obverse portrait and carries the significance of a nation's monetary turning point.

Coin Details

• Year: 1961
• Denomination: ½ Cent
• Metal: Brass
• Weight: 2.84 g
• Diameter: 19.05 mm
• Thickness: 1.4 mm
• Shape: Round
• Edge: Smooth
• Condition: Extremely Fine (EF)
• Type: Standard circulation coin
• Series: 1961–1964 (First Decimal Coinage of South Africa)
• Demonetised: 1964
• Country: South Africa
• Era: First Decimal / Republic of South Africa

Design

• Obverse: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck — first administrator of the Cape Colony — legend: JAN VAN RIEBEECK / SUID-AFRIKA SOUTH AFRICA
• Reverse: Sparrows perched on a branch with denomination below and date above
• Themes: Historical Figure, Bird

A tangible piece of South African monetary history — ideal for the collector building a complete First Decimal or Republic-era set.