1 oz, South Africa, 2023, Silver, Big Five II - Leopard

The new Big Five Series from the South African Mint is built around the historic association with animals on the African continent. The term Big Five originally applied to these animals, because of the difficulty and danger involved in hunting them on foot. In the modern age, these African icons are considered must-see creatures in the wild and something tourists from around the world come to see.

"The animals are known as the "Big Five" - Elephant - Lion - Buffalo - Rhino - Leopard - are considered emblems and ambassadors of this culturally rich country and represent the African fauna. The fourth issue is dedicated to the Leopard. The motive shows a detailed close-up of the head of an adult leopard. The inscriptions "SOUTH AFRICA", "BIG FIVE 2023" and the South African coat of arms are also part of the design. The reverse shows two halves of a leopard's head. Placing two of these coins next to each other gives a full close-up portrait of a leopard. When several of these coins are placed next to each other, an entire pack of leopards appears. In the center, the denomination "FIVE RAND", the weight "1OZ" and the fineness "Ag 999" are shown.

Together with lion, tiger, and jaguar, the leopard is one of the most graceful and powerful big cats. As a true survival artist, the lithe hunter can be found in the primeval forests of the continent as well as in mountains, savannahs, and semi-deserts. The Big Five II Leopard silver coin in uncirculated quality is limited to only 15000 pieces worldwide and is delivered in an illustrated blister card of the South African Mint."

The Leopard is the fourth of the ferocious five to be featured in this series - originally in 2020, then re-issued in 2023 with a new design of the obverse, as part of Big Five Series II.

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