50 Rand 2009, South Africa
| in Krause book | Number: 130 |
| Years of issue: | 2009 - 2012 |
| Edition: | |
| Signatures: | Governor: Mr. Gill Marcus (09.11.2009 - 09.11.2014) |
| Serie: | 2005 Fourth Issue "English & Other Official Languages" |
| Specimen of: | 2009 |
| Material: | Cotton fiber |
| Size (mm): | 146 x 70 |
| Printer: | South African Bank Note Company (Pty) Ltd, Pretoria |
* All pictures marked 
are increased partially by magnifying glass, the remaining open in full size by clicking on the image.
** The word "Specimen" is present only on some of electronic pictures, in accordance with banknote images publication rules of appropriate banks.
Description
Watermark:
Transvaal lion and denomination 50.
Avers:
Closeup of Transvaal lion head.
The Transvaal lion (Panthera leo krugeri), also known as Southeast African lion or Kalahari lion is a subspecies of the lion that lives in southern Africa, including Kruger National Park and the Kalahari Region. It is named after the Transvaal region in South Africa.
Transvaal lions live in the savanna, grasslands and semi-arid regions.
The Transvaal lion is the southernmost subspecies of African lions, ranging from southern Namibia to southeastern Mozambique.
The male Southeast African lion has usually a well-developed mane. Most of them are black-maned as well. Males are around 2.6-3.20 meters long including the tail. The females are 2.35-2.75 meters. The weight of males is generally 150-250 kg, while the females are 110-182 kg. They have a shoulder height of 0.92-1.23 meters. 
On the background are the Transvaal lions with lion cub drinking.
At bottom are geometric figures.
Top left is coat of arms of South Africa.
"Or, representations of two San human figures of red ochre, statant respectant, the hands of the innermost arms clasped, with upper arm, inner wrist, waist and knee bands Argent, and a narrow border of red ochre; the shield ensigned of a spear and knobkierie in saltire, Sable. There above a demi-secretary bird displayed Or, charged on the breast with a stylized representation of a protea flower with outer petals Vert, inner petals Or and seeded of nine triangles conjoined in three rows, the upper triangle Gules, the second row Vert, Or inverted and Vert, and the third row Vert, Or inverted, Sable, Or inverted and Vert. Above the head of the secretary bird an arc of seven rays facetted Or and Orange, the two outer rays conjoined to the elevated wings.
Upon a riband Vert, the motto in letters Argent. Issuant from the ends of the riband two pairs of elephant tusks curving inwards, the tips conjoined to the wings of the secretary bird, Or, there within and flanking the shields, two ears of wheat Brunatré".
The first element is the motto, in a green semicircle. Completing the semicircle are two symmetrically placed pairs of elephant tusks pointing upwards. Within the oval shape formed by the tusks are two symmetrical ears of wheat, that in turn frame a centrally placed gold shield.
The shape of the shield makes reference to the drum, and contains two human figures from Khoisan rock art. The figures are depicted facing one another in greeting and in unity.
Above the shield are a spear and a knobkierie, crossed in a single unit. These elements are arranged harmoniously to give focus to the shield and complete the lower oval shape of foundation.
The motto
The motto is written in the Khoisan language of the Xam people, literally meaning "diverse people unite". It addresses each individual effort to harness the unity between thought and action. On a collective scale it calls for the nation to unite in a common sense of belonging and national pride - unity in diversity.
The ears of wheat
An emblem of fertility, it also symbolizes the idea of germination, growth and the feasible development of any potential. It relates to the nourishment of the people and signifies: the agricultural aspects of the Earth.
Elephant tusks
Elephants symbolize wisdom, strength, moderation and eternity.
The shield
It has a dual function as a vehicle for the display of identity and of spiritual defence. It contains the primary symbol of our nation.
The human figures
The figures are depicted in an attitude of greeting, symbolizing unity. This also represents the beginning of the individual’s transformation into the greater sense of :belonging to the nation and by extension, collective humanity.
The spear and knobkierie
Dual symbols of defence and authority, they in turn represent the powerful legs of the secretary bird. The spear and knobkierie are lying down, symbolizing peace.
Immediately above the oval shape of foundation, is the visual center of the coat of arms, a protea. The petals of the protea are rendered in a triangular pattern reminiscent of the crafts of Africa.
The secretary bird is placed above the protea and the flower forms the chest of the bird. The secretary bird stands with its wings uplifted in a regal and uprising gesture. The distinctive head feathers of the secretary bird crown a strong and vigilant head. The rising sun above the horizon is placed between the wings of the secretary bird and completes the oval shape of ascendance.
The combination of the upper and lower oval shapes intersect to form an unbroken infinite course, and the great harmony between the basic elements result in a dynamic, elegant and thoroughly distinctive design. Yet it clearly retains the stability, gravity and immediacy that a coat of arms demands.
The King protea
Protea
The protea is an emblem of the beauty of our land and the flowering of our potential as a nation in pursuit of the African Renaissance. The protea symbolizes the holistic :integration of forces that grow from the Earth and are nurtured from above. The most popular colors of Africa have been assigned to the protea - green, gold, red and black.
The secretary bird
The secretary bird is characterized in flight, the natural consequence of growth and speed. It is the equivalent of the lion on Earth. A powerful bird whose legs - depicted as the :spear and knobkierie - serve it well in its hunt for snakes, symbolizing protection of the nation against its enemies. It is a messenger of the heavens and conducts its grace upon :the Earth. In this sense it is a symbol of divine majesty. Its uplifted wings are an emblem of the ascendance of our nation, while simultaneously offering us its protection. It is :depicted in gold, which clearly symbolizes its association with the sun and the highest power.
The rising sun
An emblem of brightness, splendor and the supreme principle of the nature of energy. It symbolizes the promise of rebirth, the active faculties of reflection, knowledge, good judgment and willpower. It is the symbol of the source of life, of light and the ultimate wholeness of humanity.
Lower left is a coincides image, as security measure.
Below, centered, are three diamonds for the visually impaired.
Denominations in numerals are in top left and lower right corners, in words in top right corner.
Revers:
Manufacturing. Refinery.
Refining capacity in South Africa is 250 million barrels/year, or about 700 thousand barrels/day, Including 500 thousand barrels/day of crude oil and 195 thousand barrels/day of synthetic liquid fuels from coal.
It is interesting that the South African "Sasol" is the pioneer of the Fischer-Tpropsha producing synthetic fuel using this synthesis conversion of the gasified coal since 1955.
On top is stylized model of hydrocarbon atoms.
In organic chemistry, a hydrocarbon is an organic compound consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon. Hydrocarbons from which one hydrogen atom has been removed are functional groups, called hydrocarbyls. Aromatic hydrocarbons (arenes), alkanes, alkenes, cycloalkanes and alkyne-based compounds are different types of hydrocarbons.
The majority of hydrocarbons found on Earth naturally occur in crude oil, where decomposed organic matter provides an abundance of carbon and hydrogen which, when bonded, can catenate to form seemingly limitless chains.
Languages on banknote: English, Venda, Xhosa.
Comments:
In the 1990s, the notes were redesigned with images of the Big Five wildlife species. 10, 20 and 50 rand notes were introduced in 1992, retaining the color scheme of the previous issue. Coins were introduced for 2 rand and 5 rand, replacing the notes of the previous series, mainly because of the severe wear and tear experienced with low denomination notes in circulation. In 1994 notes were introduced for 100 and 200 rand.
The 2005 series has the same principal design, but with additional security features such as color shifting ink on the 50 rand and higher and the EURion constellation. The obverses of all denominations are printed in English, while two other languages are printed on the reverses, thus making use of all eleven official languages of South Africa.
In Africa, the big five game animals are the African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard, and White/Black rhinoceros.
The term big five game (sometimes capitalized or quoted as "Big Five") was coined by big-game hunters and refers to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot. Subsequently the term was adopted by safari tour operators for marketing purposes. The term is used in most tourist and wildlife guides that discuss African wildlife safaris. The members of the Big Five were chosen for the difficulty in hunting them and the degree of danger involved, rather than their size.
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