In 1989 the South African Mint proposed a new coin series for South Africa and recommended a complete change to electroplated coins as a solution to the escalating costs of materials and manufacturing and the increasing risk of falsification.

The new series was divided into three different groups:

The Fish Eagle (Haliaetus Vocifer). The call of the fish eagle is probably one of the most familiar sounds associated with Southern African wildlife. The fish eagle is found in the region south of the Sahara down to the southern Cape in areas with suitable habitat such as rivers, dams and estuaries. The greatest concentration of fish eagles is found along the Chobe River and in the Okavango Delta. There are approximately 500 breeding pairs in South Africa. The fish eagle is approximately 70 cm long, the female being slightly larger than her mate. The birds have an unmistakable white head, breast and mantle, black back and wings and chestnut belly. The immature bird is brown, gradually becoming darker on attaining adulthood.

Now retired after 40 years, Arthur Sutherland Chief Engraver of the South African Mint Company, modelled the fish eagle, portrayed on the reverse of the South African 2c.

Note: Production of the 2c coin ceased in 2002 but it remains legal tender.