How and when to exchange your withdrawn Big Five R200 notes at SARB

If you’re still holding onto the older series of South African R200 banknotes, commonly known as the “Big Five” notes, you may be eligible to exchange them for valid currency directly at the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) in Johannesburg.

These specific notes were withdrawn from circulation in 2010 after the SARB detected the presence of high-quality counterfeit versions. At the time, both the Reserve Bank and commercial banks coordinated efforts to remove them from the financial system. While commercial banks stopped accepting them for exchange over a decade ago, the SARB still offers a way for the public to trade them in.

Where and When to Exchange

The exchange service is available at the SARB Johannesburg Cash Centre located in Newtown. The teller operates only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and provides a direct cash-for-cash exchange service.

How to Identify the Withdrawn Notes

The withdrawn R200 notes lack modern security features found on current banknotes. To help identify them, SARB encourages the public to use the “look, feel, and tilt” method when inspecting any note. Here’s what to check for on legitimate banknotes:

• A special texture with a distinctive crackling sound
• A visible watermark and perfect registration when held to light
• A windowed security thread featuring a holographic coat of arms (on R50, R100, and R200 notes)
• Optically variable ink that changes color when tilted
• Raised diamond shapes to aid the visually impaired
• Unique numbering, micro-lettering, and iridescent security bands

Important Clarification

Only the older R200 notes that were withdrawn in 2010 are affected. The upgraded versions, including those signed by former SARB Governors Tito Mboweni and Gill Marcus, are not impacted by this issue and remain valid for everyday use.

This public service update is strictly related to legacy currency and does not reflect any current security threat or counterfeit incident.

Stay Vigilant, Stay Informed

The SARB continues to remind the public to verify their banknotes carefully and not to hesitate when examining cash in hand, especially in uncertain transactions. Being familiar with security features is key to maintaining confidence in our currency.