Two themes, namely Soccer and the World Summit on Sustainable Development, were minted in 2002 in the Protea coin series.

THE DESIGN

One of South Africa’s most popular sports - SOCCER - has been selected as the theme for the 2002 Protea coin series. This was done to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Bafana Bafana (South Africa’s national soccer team) and recognise their qualification for the Soccer World Cup in 2002.

The obverse of all three coins portrays the King Protea, South Africa’s national flower. The main design element on the reverse of the 1 oz gold coin is a soccer player striking a ball and that of the 1/10 oz coin is a soccer player heading a ball. The reverse design of the R1 silver coin portrays a goalkeeper in action. For the first time, the 2002 Protea gold coins will feature a denomination on the reverse.

ARTIST
Natanya van Niekerk - Marketing Manager and chief artist at the South African Mint designed the 2002 PROTEA series.

ENGRAVERS
The obverse design for the three coins was engraved by the South African Mint’s chief die-engraver, Arthur Sutherland. South African Mint resident die-engravers, Aldrid Minnie, Mathinus Scheepers and Paul Botes engraved the reverse for the R25, R5 and R1 Protea coins.