2019 Silver South Africa Big Five Elephant BU - 1 oz

2019 1 oz Silver South Africa Big Five Elephant

The South African Mint is excited to announce the release of the first of a remarkable new series of coins, featuring five of the most widely known African animals. The Big Five series will ultimately feature an elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, and a buffalo. Each coin is struck in .999 fine silver BU. This series promises to be a must-have for fine bullion collectors.

The South Africa Big Five

Originally, Big Five was associated with the five most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot. The term is now used to describe the five African animals that are considered must-see, each highly impressive and magnificent. Tourists fortunate enough to view them in their natural habitat report that it is one of their fondest memories. Sadly, these five animals are endangered. However, it is hoped that this series of bullion coins will help bring greater attention to their plight.

Currently, nature reserves are being set up all over Africa, providing these animals a safe habitat in which to live and thrive. Hopefully, through these and other efforts, generations to come will continue to enjoy the ability to observe and appreciate these animals in their natural habitat.

Majestic Creature ‑ Intriguing Design

The obverse image of this 2019 1 oz Silver South Africa Big Five Elephant shows a close-up perspective of an elephant, giving prominence to its massive head and trunk. Every aspect of this amazing animal is shown in meticulous detail. The elephant's ears seem to be flared, with its eyes focused straight ahead. (Interestingly, the elephant seems to be looking at the observer no matter at which angle the coin is held.) Its mighty tusks curve downward toward the ground.

The very distinctive South African coat of arms is displayed in a circular inset at the bottom rim. Also, a highly-stylistic, flared rim-band includes the inscriptions "SOUTH AFRICA" to the left of the coat of arms, and "BIG FIVE 2019." to the right.

The reverse features an extreme close-up, front-facing view of the heads of two elephants standing closely together. The elephant on the right stands more prominently in the scene displaying the right half of his head, his large ear partially concealing the left elephant. This is both an unusual and highly remarkable design. It reveals not only the massive size of the animals, but also provides insight into their closeness within their family units. A small circular inset containing "1 oz" is centered in the field, and surrounded by a narrow, rimmed-band, which includes the inscriptions "FIVE RAND Ag 999."

The most intriguing aspect of this striking design is that when two of the coins lay side by side, a third elephant's complete head appears between them, made up of the two half-images displayed on the two coins. This is truly one of the most uniquely interesting coin designs we've seen in quite some time.

HIGHLIGHTS

• 2019 1 oz South Africa Big Five Elephant.
• First release in the South Africa Big Five series.
• Contains 1 oz .999 fine silver.
• Very limited mintage of only 15,000!
• Face value: 5 rand.
• Obverse: Close‑up of the elephant with its ears flared and trunk and tusks being the dominant feature.
• Reverse: Unique design that uses the partial head images of two elephants to produce a third elephant's full head when two coins are placed side by side.
• Issued by the South African Mint.

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