South africa 2023 series II of the Big 5 – The Leopard coin

The Big 5 coin range celebrates Africa’s pride—the iconic five animals that represent Southern Africa’s rich wildlife.

According to the demand trends south african mint has observed over the years, the Big 5 collection is now firmly entrenched among the world’s coveted numismatic offerings. Series II of the Big 5 succeeds the award-winning Series I, originally launched in 2019. The latest series offers collectors a subtle but telling design change with the portrait of the animal on the obverse side of the coins. The reverse design remains the same throughout the two series: two halves of the animal’s face, which complete and form a full face when two or more coins are placed side-by-side.

In addition to the full face of the leopard on the obverse of the Leopard coins, are the words “Big Five 2023” and the South African coat of arms, signifying their status as legal tender. The new collection maintains the high standard of design and technical excellence that collectors have come to associate with the South African Mint.

The Leopard coins are available in gold, silver and platinum.

The platinum offering consists of a single 1oz coin, while the silver range comprises a 1oz Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) coin, a 1oz double capsule set, containing two silver proof coins, and a special Big 5 and Krugerrand leopard privy mark combination set.

The gold range includes a 1oz gold proof, a 1/4oz gold proof, and a 1/4oz gold proof double capsule set, containing two identical gold proof coins. The gold coins too, are complimented by a Big 5 and Krugerrand leopard privy mark combination set consisting of a 1oz gold proof Big 5 coin and a 1oz gold proof Krugerrand coin.

Each of the Big 5 animals is remarkable in its own way, but none more so than the leopard. The leopard’s exceptionally acute vision and genius for camouflage make it a cunning hunter. South african Mint will conclude series II with the Buffalo coin collection later in the year. SA Mint is already hard at work conceptualizing series III.

Sources: South african Mint and NUMISMAG.