2023 Gold 1 oz South Africa: Big Five Elephant Coin BU

2023 1 oz South Africa Big Five Elephant Gold BU

The South African Mint is very pleased to announce this Gold BU edition of the remarkable Big Five series, featuring five of the most widely known African animals. The Big Five Series II will feature slight variations in the obverse design from the first series and will ultimately feature an elephant, a lion, a rhino, a leopard, and a buffalo. This highly unique series is absolutely a must-have for fine bullion collectors. This 2023 1 oz South Africa Big Five Elephant Gold BU is a powerful example!

From the mint: "The second edition of the Big 5 boasts a subtle revision to the obverse design, while the reverse design remains the same as that of the previous series, with the two halves of the animal’s face. The obverse of the first edition of the elephant coins depicted both the face and part of the majestic creature’s body, facing towards the left-hand side."




"In the new series, the obverse of the coins is dominated by the face of the animal, without any depiction of the rest of its body. The long, downward-pointing tusks on the obverse in series I have been replaced by shorter, upward-pointing tusks, and the elephant facing the right-hand side."




HIGHLIGHTS

• 2023 1 oz South Africa Big Five Elephant Gold BU.
• Sequel to the award-winning first Big Five series introduced in 2019.
• Individual coins arrive in a plastic flip, and lots of ten come in a mint-issued tube.
• Contains 1 oz .9999 fine gold.
• Face value of 50 Rand.
• Obverse: Close-up of the elephant with short, upward-pointing tusks. Inscriptions are "SOUTH AFRICA . BIG FIVE 2023."
• Reverse: Retains the image of two elephants to produce a third elephant's full head when two coins are placed side by side from the first series. Inscriptions are "FIFTY RAND . 1 oz . Au 9999."
• Issued by the South African Mint.



The 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-sees, each magnificently impressive. Tourists fortunate enough to view them in their natural habitat report that it is one of their most exciting 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 with 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 2023 1 oz South Africa Big Five Elephant Gold BU shows a close-up perspective of an elephant facing right, giving prominence to its massive head and trunk, with its mighty tusks curved upward. Every aspect of this amazing animal is shown in meticulous detail. 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 2023." to the right.




The reverse image is the same as that from the first series, featuring 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 "FIFTY RAND Au 9999."