5 oz, South Africa, 2023, Silver, Big Five II - Buffalo

Silver Five Ounces – 2023 Big Five: Buffalo

South African Mint:   South Africa pioneered modern bullion coinage with the launch of the gold Krugerrand on 3 July 1967, created to promote South African gold internationally. As the first modern bullion coin, the Krugerrand set the benchmark for the global bullion market and continues to be issued to this day.

In later years, the South African Mint diversified its offerings, beginning with fractional Krugerrands, and eventually introducing new metals and formats, including the 5 oz silver coin. Each coin contains exactly five troy ounces of pure silver, or 5.000 oz Absolute Silver Weight (ASW).

Big Five II – The Buffalo: This coin is part of Big Five Series II, a collection that pays tribute to Africa’s most iconic wildlife through powerful and symbolic coin designs. Each release in the series features one of the legendary Big Five animals: the Elephant, Lion, Rhinoceros, Leopard, and Buffalo—honoured not only for their grandeur but also for their cultural and ecological significance.

The Buffalo is the final animal in the series. It was first featured in 2021, and re-issued in 2023 with a new obverse design as part of Series II, completing the second full cycle of this celebrated series. Coins in the Big Five collection have been released every six months since the series’ debut in 2019.

About the African Buffalo:  The African buffalo is a highly social animal, often found in large herds numbering in the hundreds. During times of drought, these herds may split into smaller groups, but their strength lies in numbers—particularly when faced with predators. Lions are their primary threat, but buffalo are known to defend their own. If one is attacked, others will rush to its aid, and a group of buffalo can even drive off an entire lion pride. Their fearlessness in the face of danger—and especially the aggression of wounded bulls—has earned them a formidable reputation among hunters. This trait is one of the key reasons the buffalo was included in the original “Big Five” list of Africa’s most dangerous animals to hunt.

Design Credits – South African Mint:

Paul Botes – Die-sinker / Engraver

J.A. Geldenhuys – Artist

R.C. Stone – Designer

The term “Big Five” originated during the colonial hunting era, referring to the five most dangerous animals to hunt on foot in Africa: the Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Rhinoceros, and Buffalo. Today, the phrase stands as a symbol of Africa’s rich wildlife heritage and the importance of ongoing conservation efforts.

Coin Specifications:

The coin is issued in Proof grade only