1993 South Africa 20 Rand Banknote – Elephants & Industrial Heritage

Pick# 124a | Numista# 209000

Issued by the South African Reserve Bank, the 1993 20 Rand banknote is part of the transitional series that bridged South Africa’s late apartheid era and its democratic future. Featuring African elephants and an open-pit mining scene, this note reflects both the country’s natural grandeur and its industrial backbone.




🖼️ Design Highlights

Obverse: A striking pair of African elephants, symbolizing strength, wisdom, and the continent’s rich biodiversity. Bilingual text in English and Afrikaans underscores the linguistic landscape of the time.

Reverse: Depicts an open-pit mining operation, highlighting South Africa’s mineral wealth and its role in shaping the national economy.

Color Scheme: Earthy brown and olive-green tones with multicolored underprint and geometric patterns.




📌 Key Specifications

Feature Description
Country South Africa
Issuer South African Reserve Bank
Year of Issue 1993
Denomination 20 Rand
Pick Number P# 124a
Printer South African Bank Note Company
Size 134 × 70 mm
Material Paper
Watermark Elephant head (mirror image)
Security Features Microprinting, UV elements
Signature Christian Lodewyk Stals
Demonetized Yes (withdrawn in 2012)





🎁 Why Collect This Note?

The 1993 20 Rand note is a compelling artifact of South Africa’s economic and cultural narrative, ideal for:

Collectors of African or transitional-era currency

Fans of wildlife and industrial-themed banknotes

Gifts for those born in 1993 or with South African heritage

Whether you're curating a pre-Mandela collection or exploring the visual language of African banknotes, this note offers symbolic depth and historical resonance.