1 South African Rand Banknote (Van Riebeeck Framed)

1 Rand Rand (Issued 1966-1972)

The 1 Rand note issued between 1966 and 1972 forms part of South Africa’s First Rand Series, the inaugural family of banknotes denominated in the newly introduced Rand following decimalisation in 1961. Across this series, denominations shared a consistent design language rooted in South African heritage, with the 1 Rand serving as the workhorse denomination of everyday commerce. This note carries the bilingual identity of South Africa firmly into its layout, presenting text in both English and Afrikaans throughout. Its warm reddish-brown colouring and engraved portrait give it a distinguished character that distinguishes it from the higher denominations in the same series.

On the front, the dominant feature is a finely engraved portrait of Jan van Riebeeck, the Dutch colonial administrator credited with founding the Cape Colony in 1652, whose image became a recurring symbol on South African currency during this era. The portrait occupies the left-hand side of the note, rendered with considerable detail in a deep reddish-brown intaglio engraving, showing Van Riebeeck in period dress with a lace collar and long dark curled hair characteristic of seventeenth-century Dutch portraiture. To the upper centre, the name “SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK” is printed in bold capital letters, with the Afrikaans equivalent “SUID-AFRIKAANSE RESERWEBANK” appearing along the lower portion of the note. The central text reads “ONE RAND” in large bold lettering, immediately below which the Afrikaans “EEN RAND” appears, reinforcing the note’s bilingual character. A promise to pay clause is printed in both English and Afrikaans in smaller text above the denomination. The serial number “A/758 011473” appears twice — once in the upper right corner and again in the lower left — printed in reddish numerals. The denomination numeral “1” appears in the upper right corner within a lightly ornamented panel. The governor’s signature, attributed to T.W. de Jongh with the title “GOVERNOR / PRESIDENT” printed alongside, is visible in the lower central area of the note. Subtle guilloché patterning forms the background field, providing texture and depth to the overall composition.

The reverse presents a richly detailed intaglio landscape scene rendered entirely in the same warm reddish-brown palette. At the centre of the composition, two Merino sheep stand prominently in a cultivated field, with one larger ram facing left and a smaller sheep positioned slightly behind. To the right of the sheep, a traditional plough rests in the field, evoking South Africa’s agricultural heritage. The background opens into a sweeping rural panorama featuring rows of maize or similar crops extending toward a dramatic mountain range rendered with fine line engraving, the peaks rising against a sky filled with etched clouds. To the far left of the reverse, stalks of maize or sugarcane rise vertically alongside what appear to be pumpkins or gourds at the base, while to the right a large flowering tree or shrub frames the scene. The denomination numeral “1” appears in circular panels in both the upper right and lower left corners of the reverse, maintaining visual consistency with the front. The entire reverse composition is enclosed within a fine border of repeated geometric and foliate elements.

Webuyallcurrency.com makes it easy to exchange old coins and banknotes — a 1 Rand banknote from South Africa is accepted with other old or withdrawn South African Rands banknotes and converted into cash in one go.

• Indicate the quantity of 1 Rand Rand banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Webuyallcurrency.com is a simple way to exchange or sell foreign coins and banknotes for cash — current or withdrawn — turning your South African Rands banknotes and any other leftover currency into one straightforward payout.

Other South African Rands you can exchange: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200.