1990 South Africa 5 Rand Banknote – Jan van Riebeeck & Rainbow Nation Heritage
Pick# 119e | Signature: C.L. Stals | Printer: South African Bank Note Company

Issued by the South African Reserve Bank, the 1990 5 Rand note captures a pivotal moment in South Africa’s monetary and cultural history. As part of the 1973–1990 series, this note features Jan van Riebeeck, the Dutch colonial administrator often regarded as the founder of Cape Town. His portrait, paired with vibrant guilloche patterns and bilingual inscriptions, reflects the complex legacy of South Africa’s evolving identity.

Design Highlights

Obverse:
Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck at left
Bilingual text: Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank / South African Reserve Bank
Signature of C.L. Stals, Governor of the Reserve Bank
Rich guilloche patterns in green and brown tones

Reverse:

South African wildlife motif featuring a Black Wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou) in motion
Stylized grassland background symbolizing the country’s natural heritage
Denomination prominently displayed in both Afrikaans and English

Watermark:
Jan van Riebeeck (full-face portrait)

Key Specifications

Feature Description
Country South Africa
Issuer South African Reserve Bank
Year of Issue 1990
Denomination 5 Rand
Pick Number P# 119e
Printer South African Bank Note Company
Size Approx. 128 × 64 mm
Material Paper
Watermark Jan van Riebeeck
Security Features Intaglio printing, watermark, guilloche patterns
Demonetized Yes – withdrawn in the late 1990s


Why Collect This Note?

The 1990 5 Rand note is a compelling piece for collectors interested in:
Pre-democracy South African currency
Colonial-era figures and symbolism
Wildlife-themed banknotes
Transitional designs before the Mandela-era notes

Whether you're curating a collection of African banknotes or exploring the visual language of South Africa’s past, this note offers historical resonance, artistic depth, and cultural complexity.