South Africa, 1997 AD., Republic, South African mint, 50 Cents, KM 163.

South Africa, Republic, engravers: Arthur L. Sutherland (obverse) and Linda Lotriet (reverse), South African Mint Company (Pty.) Ltd., 1997 AD.,
50 Cents (ø 22 mm / 4,94 g), brass plated steel (magnetic, planchet: 90,8% iron, 1,2% carbon, layers: 4,8%-5,6% copper, 3,2%-2,4% zinc), 5,00 g theor. mint weight, mintage ? , axis medal alignment ↑↑ (0°), reeded edge,
Obv.: 1997 / AFRIKA BORWA / EX - UNITATE – VIRES / ALS / 1997 , coat of arms (3rd version 1932-2000), motto "Ex Unitate Vires" (Power Through Unity) on ribbon below, engraver´s initials at lower-left: ALS (Arthur L. Sutherland),. Name of the country in Sotho.
Rev.: 50 / c / LL , a crane flower (Bird-of-paradise flower, Strelitzia reginae), value r. above, engraver´s initials below.
KM 163 ; Hern Nf8 ; Schön 220 .

Year / Mint Mark / Mintage
1996 BU Set
1996 Hern#Nf7
1996 Hern#Nf7; Proof
1997 BU Set
1997 Hern#Nf8
1997 Hern#Nf8; Proof
1998 BU Set
1998 Hern#Nf9
1998 Hern#Nf9; Proof
1999 BU Set
1999 Hern#Nf10
1999 Hern#Nf10; Proof
2000 BU Set
2000 Hern#Nf11
2000 3,703 Hern#Nf11; Proof

Strelitzia is a genus of five species of perennial plants, native to South Africa. It belongs to the plant family Strelitziaceae. The genus is named after the duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, birthplace of Queen Charlotte of the United Kingdom. A common name of the genus is bird of paradise flower / plant, because of a resemblance of its flowers to birds-of-paradise. In South Africa it is commonly known as a crane flower and is featured on the reverse of the 50 cent coin.