The South African Mint has recently released the new Rhino coin collection in its award-winning Big Five Series II range with a face value of R50 but can be bought for up to R100 000 for it, bundled with a more traditional Krugerrand.
The South African Mint’s first Big Five series was first launched in 2019 and thanks to the popular reception from the community, the second and current series was introduced in late 2021 with a few subtle changes in design on the observe of the coin, as reported by Business Insider.
The Rhino coin follows the launch of the Lion and Elephant collectable coins of the same series that were released in early 2022 and late 2021 respectively. Following the new Rhino coin will be the release of the Leopard and Buffalo coins.
Like the rest of the Big Five Series, the rhino coins come in silver, gold, and platinum in various configurations.
In addition to changing the full-facing animal to the left-hand side to only showing part of the body and the head facing the right-hand side, this current series also introduced new coin sizes.
Managing Director of the South African Mint, Honey Mamabolo expressed: “The rhino’s distinctive horns are the focus of the Series II coins, filling up more than half the surface—a bittersweet detail as it’s the supposed medicinal qualities of its horn that have led to the poaching that threatens this magnificent animal’s very survival.”
“The rhino coins are particularly poignant because these animals offer us a unique link to our common prehistoric past,” she added. The African Rhino originated around 14.2 million years ago during the Miocene period.
Only 100 gold sets are available while the silver set is limited to 1000.
According to IOL, The silver offering consists of a 1oz Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) coin with a 10z silver proof double capsule containing two identical Series II silver proof coins while the platinum comprises a single 10z coin.
The gold offering comprises a 1oz and 1/4 gold proof as well as a 1/4 oz gold proof double capsule containing two identical Series II gold proof coins.
Two sets, made up of the iconic Krugerrand and the Big Five, are now available featuring a 1oz Big Five Series II Rhino coin and a 1oz Krugerrand with a Rhino mint mark, one in silver and one in gold.
The South African Mint with over 120 years’ experience, is a subsidiary of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). It is responsible for minting all Rand coins on behalf of SARB and is the manufacturer of commemorative and rare collectible coins that represents its commitment to uniquely African design and supreme craftsmanship.
“The Big Five series has established itself as a prime collectable, and Series II is adding lustre to the brand by offering variations in both design and format,” Mamabolo concludes. “The Big Five series is well on its way to join the iconic Krugerrand as showcases of Africa’s mineral and wildlife wealth, as well as the skills of its artisans and designers.”
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Picture: @SAMint / Twitter