5 oz, South Africa, 2022, Silver, Big Five II - Rhino

South Africa revolutionized modern bullion coinage with the launch of the gold Krugerrand on 3 July 1967, designed to promote South African gold on the international stage. As the first modern bullion coin, the Krugerrand set a global standard and continues to be issued today.

In the decades that followed, the South African Mint broadened its offerings by introducing fractional Krugerrands and exploring new formats and metals, including a five-ounce silver coin. Each of these coins contains exactly five troy ounces of pure silver, also known as 5.000 oz Absolute Silver Weight (ASW).

Big Five II Series – The Rhino

This coin is the third release in the Big Five Series II, the second iteration of the South African Mint’s prestigious wildlife coin program. The series honors Africa’s natural heritage by depicting the continent’s most iconic animals—known as the Big Five—on official legal tender.

The Big Five series was launched in 2019, with new designs issued every six months. Following the Elephant and the Lion, the Rhino is the third animal featured in this second edition.  Renowned for their prehistoric appearance, armour-like hides, and distinctive horns, rhinoceroses are among the most easily recognized—and endangered—species in Africa. Their horns, made of keratin (the same protein found in human hair and nails), are tragically sought after for use in traditional medicine, placing these magnificent animals under constant threat from illegal poaching.

The 2022 release introduces a new artistic rendition of the rhinoceros on the obverse, crafted with powerful realism and symbolic depth.

Design credits:

• Paul Botes – Die-sinker / Engraver
• J.A. Geldenhuys – Artist
• R.C. Stone – Designer

Coin Specifications:

The coin is issued in Proof grade only