South Africa 1960 5 shillings

from the Mountain Groan Collection

In 1960, South Africa withdrew from the British Commonwealth and in 1961 issued all new coins, dropping the bust of the queen for explorer Jan van Riebeeck. This type, commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the Union of South Africa, is a transition piece. It is the last of the sterling issues but does not show the bust of the queen. Hoarded for its silver, it is today common.

Recorded mintage: 396,000 plus 22,000 prooflike plus 3,360 proofs.

Specification: 28.28 g, 0.500 fine silver, 38.8 mm diameter.

Catalog reference: KM 55.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
• Hern, Brian, John Bothma and Hercie Pieterse, Hern's Handbook on South African Coins & Patterns, Ferndale, South Africa, 2013.

Link to:

• 1959 5 shillings
• 1960 farthing
• 1960 half penny
• 1960 shilling
• 1960 half pound
• 1960 pound
• 1961 half cent
• 1961 cent
• Coins and currency dated 1960