2021 Elephant (Series II)

This marks the first release of the Big Five Series II, launched on 8 November 2021 by the South African Mint in Centurion, commemorating the country's continued wildlife heritage and conservation efforts.

It features redesigned obverse artwork that focuses on the elephant’s face only, with shorter, upward-facing tusks and the elephant facing right, distinguishing it from Series I.

Design & Imagery

• Obverse: A close-up portrait of the elephant’s face (no body), tusks angled upward, with “SOUTH AFRICA • BIG FIVE 2021” and the South African coat of arms.

  • Designed by Kotie Geldenhuys and Richard Stone; die-signed with “PB” (Paul Botes)

• Reverse: Features the signature mirrored “bisected face” motif—two halves of the elephant’s head that align when paired, forming a full image and when multiple are aligned form a herd