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Back in 2010, the SARB noted with concern that relatively high-quality counterfeit notes of the old series, which did not have the security features listed below, had illegally come into circulation. The matter was thoroughly investigated.
We also advised that the SARB, together with the commercial banks, withdraw all old series R200 banknotes that remain in circulation. Members of the public were requested to present these banknotes for exchange at the nearest commercial bank by the end of May 2010.
After that date, it is only possible to present these banknotes for exchange at the SARB Head office teller, currently functioning from the SARB Johannesburg Cash Centre, 57 Ntemi Piliso Street, Newtown, Johannesburg, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 to 13:00. Here you will get direct cash for cash exchange. The withdrawn banknotes cannot be exchanged at a commercial bank.
The R200 banknotes of the upgraded series bearing the signatures of former governors Mr T T Mboweni and Ms G Marcus have the security features outlined below and are not affected by the counterfeit problem. These banknotes remain in circulation.
South Africa has a family of five banknotes, with the R200 banknote being the highest denomination. The South African public is encouraged to re-familiarise themselves with the security features on the South African banknotes and to examine them on receipt. Do not hesitate or feel embarrassed about holding a banknote up to the light. Look, feel and tilt the banknotes to ascertain the security features.
Banknote Substrate: The special quality of banknote paper and the raised intaglio print give it a distinct feel. Unlike normal paper, banknotes have a distinct crackling sound when handled.
Coat of Arms: The South African Coat of Arms is used prominently in the front top left corner, in the iridescent band on the back, and as a holographic image in the security thread of the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes.
Watermark: The watermark is smaller and the denomination numeral is added to the watermark of the main motif. When the banknote is held up to the light the watermark and the denomination numeral are visible.
Perfect registration: The upgraded banknotes reveal the denomination numeral in perfect registration on the front and back when a note is held up to the light. It does not appear blurred or obscured.
Windowed security thread: On the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes the thread is 4mm wide. SARB, RAND and the denomination numeral appear when held up to light and a holographic Coat of Arms appears in the thread when tilted. On the R10 and R20 banknotes the thread is 2mm wide and SARB and the denomination numeral appear in clear text.
Optically variable ink: On the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes the denomination numeral on the front bottom right is printed in colour changing ink. When the R50 and R100 banknotes are tilted, the colour changes from green to gold. On the R200 it changes from magenta to green
Latent image: When the banknote is held almost horizontally to eye level, the denomination numeral appears inside the geometric shapes.
Diamond shapes: The diamond shapes with a raised intaglio feel on the front of the banknote that assist the blind to distinguish between the denominations are as follows:·
Different geometric shapes: These are on the front of the banknotes as an aid for the partially sighted and are as follows:·
Denomination numerals: These are prominent on the front and the back of the banknotes.
Microlettering: ‘South African Reserve Bank’ appears in microlettering to the right of the animal’s ear. The microlettering is printed in positive and negative text.
Unique numbering: The unique number is on the back – a vertical number on the left hand side and a horizontal number top right. The horizontal number is conical.
Iridescent band: This is a very prominent feature, in gold colour on the back of all banknotes.
