The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has issued a public reminder regarding the correct process for exchanging the withdrawn ‘Big Five’ R200 banknotes, following queries from the public.
These specific R200 notes were officially withdrawn from circulation in 2010 after a rise in counterfeiting incidents involving high-quality fakes.
The old series lacked the advanced security features now found in newer banknotes.
At the time, the SARB instructed the public to exchange the notes at commercial banks by the end of May 2010.
That deadline has long passed, and commercial banks no longer accept the withdrawn notes.
However, SARB confirmed that members of the public who still have these old R200 notes can still exchange them, but only through a single official channel.
Where to exchange old R200 notes
Withdrawn ‘Big Five’ R200 banknotes can only be exchanged at the SARB Head Office teller, now located at the Johannesburg Cash Centre:
- Address: 57 Ntemi Piliso Street, Newtown, Johannesburg
- Operating Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Hours: 09:00 to 13:00
Exchanges are conducted cash-for-cash, and no other locations or commercial banks are authorised to process them.
What notes are still valid?
The SARB clarified that upgraded R200 banknotes issued post-2005, bearing the signatures of former governors Tito Mboweni or Gill Marcus, remain legal tender.
These notes feature advanced security elements designed to combat counterfeiting.
Security features on valid banknotes
SARB encourages the public to re-familiarise themselves with the following key security features on legitimate banknotes:
- Watermark with main motif and denomination
- Coat of Arms in multiple positions
- Optically variable ink that changes colour when tilted
- Windowed security thread with SARB branding and holographic elements
- Perfect registration visible under light
- Latent image of the denomination at eye level
- Raised printing and microlettering
- Tactile geometric shapes and diamond patterns to aid the visually impaired
Citizens are urged to always look, feel, and tilt banknotes to verify authenticity and not hesitate to inspect cash openly when receiving it.
SARB’s message
“The public is reminded that these older R200 notes can no longer be exchanged at banks, but they are still redeemable directly through SARB’s Johannesburg Cash Centre,” the Bank said.
The SARB also stressed the importance of staying informed about the security features of South African currency to protect against counterfeit circulation.
Do you own an ‘old’ R200 note?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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