South Africa 2 Rand Jan van Riebeeck 1983–1990 Pick 118d UNC Banknote

The South Africa 2 Rand Pick 118d is a historic banknote issued by the South African Reserve Bank during the 1983–1990 period.

Featuring a portrait traditionally identified as Jan van Riebeeck, it represents the distinctive design of South African paper currency before the country’s transition to wildlife-themed banknotes in the early 1990s.

Preserved in uncirculated (UNC) condition, this discontinued denomination is an attractive addition to collections of African banknotes and twentieth-century currency.

Historical Background

The South African Rand was introduced on 14 February 1961, replacing the South African Pound when the country adopted a decimal monetary system.

For several decades, South African banknotes featured a portrait traditionally identified as Jan van Riebeeck, the Dutch colonial administrator associated with the establishment of the Cape settlement in 1652.

The identity of the original portrait has been disputed, with some researchers suggesting that it depicts Bartholomeus Vermuyden instead.

The 1983–1990 series belongs to the final period of this portrait-based design tradition. In 1992, South Africa introduced a new banknote series featuring the country’s famous Big Five animals.

Banknote Specifications

Obverse

The obverse features the familiar historical portrait traditionally identified as Jan van Riebeeck, accompanied by the denomination and the name of the South African Reserve Bank.

The engraved portrait, decorative patterns and detailed typography are characteristic of South African banknote design during the late twentieth century.

Reverse

The reverse features imagery associated with South Africa’s historical and economic development, continuing the visual tradition of the country’s earlier Rand banknotes.

Its intricate engraving and contrasting design elements distinguish this series from the wildlife-themed notes introduced in 1992.

The South African Rand

The Rand (ZAR) has been South Africa’s national currency since 1961 and is divided into 100 Cents.

The 2 Rand denomination was once an important part of the country’s paper currency. It was subsequently replaced by a coin as South Africa modernised its monetary system.

Today, these discontinued banknotes offer collectors an opportunity to explore the evolution of the Rand and South African currency design.

Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?

The South Africa 2 Rand 1983–1990 P118d UNC banknote combines a discontinued denomination with an iconic historical portrait.

It is particularly suitable for collectors interested in South African currency, vintage African banknotes, historical portraits and the evolution of twentieth-century paper money.

Its uncirculated condition helps preserve the original printed details, crispness and appearance of this historic issue.