The South African Reserve Bank has published version 4 of its policy on reproducing images of South African banknotes and coins, effective from 1 April 2026. The policy applies where currency images are reproduced for bona fide educational purposes, news, currency collecting or simulated commercial transactions by natural or juristic persons incorporated or domiciled in South Africa. Its core effect is that most reproductions require the Bank's prior written permission, with the policy aimed at limiting counterfeiting and forgery risk and protecting the integrity of the currency. The framework prohibits reproductions that could be mistaken for genuine currency or that the Bank considers offensive or damaging to the currency's integrity, including decorative or promotional uses, advertising outside limited permitted contexts, images showing destruction of currency, and reproductions printed on both sides, at genuine size or on similar materials. Limited general permission is deemed to exist for print and electronic news editors, television news producers, and financial and business news reporters, provided specified conditions are met. For banknotes and coins used as replicas or movie money, the policy requires clear differentiation from legal tender through features such as omission of key security elements, size deviations, single-sided presentation in many physical uses, prescribed reverse-side treatment, and wording such as "IMAGE – NOT LEGAL TENDER" in certain cases. Requesters such as production companies must also use a South African Reserve Bank-authorised serial or identification number, approved reproductions must state that reproduction was authorised by the South African Reserve Bank, and reproduction materials and files must be securely stored and destroyed or deleted when permission expires, with proof of destruction available on request. The updated policy replaces the current policy. The South African Reserve Bank also reserves the right to amend or revoke an earlier approval at any stage without prior notice.
South African Reserve Bank2026-07-27
South African Reserve Bank updates currency image reproduction policy, prior written approval required for most uses from 1 April 2026
The South African Reserve Bank has updated its policy on reproducing banknote and coin images, with the new version effective from 1 April 2026. Most reproductions require prior written approval, while specified news media benefit from deemed permission subject to strict conditions. Replica and movie money must be clearly distinguishable from legal tender and are subject to controls on design, identification, storage and destruction.