The South African Mint today launched a new 50c coin carrying the image of Jonty Rhodes to commemorate the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003.

Jonty Rhodes and the first commemorative South Africa coin moments after minting it. Photo © Keith Lane

"The image on the coin, of one of South Africa's greatest sporting icons is a tribute to Jonty Rhodes for what he has not only done on the field of play, but also off it.in the last 10 years of representing South Africa. He has been a roll model for not only South Africans but for sports lovers worldwide. Fielding in the point area he may well be the greatest fielder of all time", were the fitting words of Dr Ali Bacher at the launch held at the Mint in Centurion.

South Africa will be hosting the 2003 Cricket World Cup from 8th February 2003 to 24th March 2003. The Cricket World Cup will be one of the major sporting events in the country and in the world. Sporting events such as this, is an ideal mechanism for reconciliation and nation building and the South African Mint is proud to be part of this historical event.

Various countries in the world have used their standard circulation coins to celebrate an event or aspects of their cultures. Such new coin issue programs have been carried out in countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia and Austria with much success.

South Africa is proud to be the host of the ICC Cricket World Cup South Africa 2003. To celebrate this prestigious event, permission was granted to manufacture 50c circulation coins featuring the theme of Cricket. These 50c cricket circulation coins will be launched on 31st of October 2002.

Special permission was granted to circulate these 2003 coins through commercial banks from the 1st of November 2002. Members of the public will be able to strike their own proof-like 50c circulation coin on the "Oom Paul" mint press in Coin World at the South African Mint on the 3rd November 2002 at the South African Mint's Festive Collectable and Money Fair.

On the obverse of the coin, the new South African coat-of-arms is depicted together with the date "2003" and the Sepedi and Sesotho words "Afrika Borwa" which means South Africa.

The reverse of the 50c coin shows a cricketer diving towards the wicket in an attempt to take the wicket. This energetic and valiant action reflects South Africa's dedication and spirit towards the game and this major world sport event in particular.

In addition to the launch of the "Cricket" 50c circulation coin, an early Special Protea Series Launch Set dated 2003, will also be released today to honour South Africa hosting the ICC Cricket World Cup South Africa 2003. A limited edition of only 300 launch sets will be available worldwide.

This Special Launch Protea Set consists of a 1 oz pure gold coin (Au 999.9) with a mintmark. This unique mintmark features a stylized cricket ball and the letters "RSA". Also in the set are a 1/10th pure gold coin (Au 999.9) and a R1 sterling silver (Ag 925 Cu 75) crown size coin. The common obverses of all three coins portray South Africa's national flower, the protea (Protea cynaroides). The word "South Africa" and the date "2003" are also depicted.

The reverse of the 1-oz gold coin features a batsman in a "sweep" position. The face value of the coin of "R25", the words "Protea" and "1 oz - Au 999.9" are also featured.

The reverse of the 1/10th oz gold coin features a cricket ball, stylized with the stumps and a bail. The face value of "R5", the words "Protea" and "1/10 oz - Au 999.9" are also depicted.

On the reverse of the R1 sterling silver crown, a fast bowler delivering a ball, is captured. A cricket wicket, the word "Protea" and the face value of "R1" also feature.

The stylized seam of a cricket-ball is modelled into the background of all three coins, linking the cricket theme on the coins. These special launch set will be sold at Coin World at the South African Mint for R5,225-00.

The South African Mint is truly honoured to be part of this popular sporting world event and pays tribute to all past, current and future cricket players, sportsmen and sporting events.

Managing Director of the South African Mint, Mr Wilfred Lautenberg, said; "Here at the South African Mint we are in the business of making history. We believe that with every coin that we strike, we create an emblem that not only represents the South African Mint or South Africa as a whole, but one that represents a particular time period in our country. These "cricket coins", the 50c circulation coin and the gold and silver Protea Commemorative Set, will probably outlive any other record of this great event. We are extremely proud to be part of this historical sport event".

© World Cup Organising Committee