The term 'Africa Coin' refers to three different currencies: the South African Rand (SOU), the Italian Lira (LIRA), and the European Currency Unit (ECU). The South African Rand is the official currency of South Africa, and was introduced in 1961. The Italian Lira was the official currency of Italy until 2002, when it was replaced by the Euro. The European Currency Unit was a precursor to the Euro, and was used from 1979 to 1999.