Natura Coin Series

The Natura theme is a very special series and was first minted by the South African mint in 1994. The legal tender Natura series was South Africa’s first 24-karat (Au 999.9) gold coin series. This series became very popular over the years and sought after by both investors and collectors worldwide and received numerous international awards.  Every year the South African Mint releases this great collector’s item and it's always a well-kept secret.

The Natura range is sub-divided into different themes;

 

The Big Five(1994-1998)

1996 The Lion	R100   (1 oz)	R50   (1/2 oz)	R20   (1/4 oz)	R10   (1/10 oz)
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27 mm	22 mm	16.5 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Obverse design:	Susan Erasmus	Susan Erasmus	Susan Erasmus	Susan Erasmus
Reverse design:	Johan Steyn	Johan Steyn	Johan Steyn	Johan Steyn
Max coinage:	168

1996 The Rhino	R100   (1 oz)	R50   (1/2 oz)	R20   (1/4 oz)	R10   (1/10 oz)
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27 mm	22 mm	16.5 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Obverse design:	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland
Reverse design:	Brian Hartland	Brian Hartland	Brian Hartland	Brian Hartland
Max coinage:	89

1996 The Elephant	R100   (1 oz)	R50   (1/2 oz)	R20   (1/4 oz)	R10   (1/10 oz)
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27 mm	22 mm	16.5 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Obverse design:	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland
Reverse design:	B Hartland	S Erasmus	A Minnie	J Steyn
Max coinage:	368

1997 The Buffalo	R100   (1 oz)	R50   (1/2 oz)	R20   (1/4 oz)	R10   (1/10 oz)
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27 mm	22 mm	16.5 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Reverse Design	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland
Obverse Design	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland
Limited Edition:	500

1998 The Leopard	R100 (1 oz)	R50   (1/2 oz)	R20   (1/4 oz)	R10   (1/10 oz)
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27 mm	22 mm	16.5 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Reverse Design	Johan Steyn	A Minnie	W. Lumley	A Minnie
Obverse Design	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland
Limited Edition:	500

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Monarchs of Africa(1999-2001)

1999 The Kudu – King of the Antelope	R100   (1 oz)	R50   (1/2 oz)	R20   (1/4 oz)	R10   (1/10 oz)
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27 mm	22 mm	16.5 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Reverse Design	AL Sutherland	A. Minnie	W. Lumley	P. Botes
Obverse Design	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland
Limited Edition:	600

2000 The Sable- Queen of the Antelope	R100   (1 oz)	R50   (1/2 oz)	R20   (1/4 oz)	R10   (1/10 oz)
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27 mm	22 mm	16.5 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Reverse Die-Sinker:	A Minnie	C Moses	W Lumley	P Botes
Reverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk
Obverse Die-Sinker:	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland
Obverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk
Limited Edition:	483

2001 The Oryx (Gemsbok) - Prince of the Kalahari	R100   (1 oz)	R50   (1/2 oz)	R20   (1/4 oz)	R10   (1/10 oz)
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27 mm	22 mm	16.5 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Reverse Die-Sinker:	A Minnie	P Botes	MJ Scheepers	C Moses
Reverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk
Obverse Die-Sinker:	AL  Sutherland	AL  Sutherland	AL  Sutherland	AL  Sutherland
Obverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk
Limited Edition:	1000

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Wildcats of Africa(2002-2004)

2002 The Cheetah	R100 (1 oz)	R50 (1/2 oz)	R20 (1/4 oz)	R10   (1/10 oz)
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27 mm	22 mm	16.5 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Reverse Die-Sinker:	P Botes	J Steyn	A Minnie	MC Scheepers
Reverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk
Obverse Die-Sinker:	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland
Obverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk
Limited Edition:	700

2003 The Lion	R100  (1 oz)	R50 (1/2 oz)	R20 (1/4 oz)	R10 (1/10 oz)
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27 mm	22 mm	16.5 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Reverse Die-Sinker:	P Botes	A Minnie	MJ Scheepers	C Moses
Reverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk
Obverse Die-Sinker:	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland	AL Sutherland
Obverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk
Limited Edition:	908

2004   The Lynx(Caracal)	R100 (1 oz)	R50 (1/2 oz)	R20 (1/4 oz)	R10 (1/10 oz)
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27 mm	22 mm	16.5 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Reverse Die-Sinker:	MJ Scheepers	A Minnie	C Moses	C Moses
Reverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk
Obverse Die-Sinker:	A Minnie	A Minnie	A Minnie	A Minnie
Obverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk
Limited Edition:	700

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Giants of Africa(2005-2008)

2005   The Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius)	R100 (1 oz)	R50 (1/2 oz)	R20 (1/4 oz)	R10 (1/10 oz)
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27 mm	22 mm	16.5 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Reverse Die-Sinker:	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	C Moses	A Minnie
Reverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk
Obverse Die-Sinker:	A Minnie	A Minnie	A Minnie	A Minnie
Obverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk
Prestige Set Limited Edition: Proof Set Limited Edition:	700 1000

2006 The Giraffe	R100 (1 oz)	R50 (1/2 oz)	R20 (1/4 oz)	R10 (1/10 oz)
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27 mm	22 mm	16.5 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Reverse Die-Sinker:	MJ Scheepers	A Minnie	C Moses	C Moses
Reverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk
Obverse Die-Sinker:	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers
Obverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk
Limited Edition:	700

2007 The Eland	R100 (1 oz)	R50 (1/2 oz)	R20 (1/4 oz)	R10 (1/10 oz)
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27 mm	22 mm	16.5 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Reverse Die-Sinker:	C Moses	MJ Scheepers	A Minnie	C Moses
Reverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk
Obverse Die-Sinker:	A Minnie	A Minnie	A Minnie	A Minnie
Obverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk
Limited Edition Prestige Proof Mintage	700 1000

2008 The African Elephant (Prestige - Mintage 800, Proof - Mintage 800)	R100 (1 oz)	R50 (1/2 oz)	R20 (1/4 oz)	R10 (1/10 oz)
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27.00 mm	22.00 mm	16.50 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Reverse Die-Sinker:	A Minnie	A Minnie	A Minnie	A Minnie
Reverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk
Obverse Die-Sinker:	C Moses	C Moses	C Moses	C Moses
Obverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk

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Safari through South Africa(2009-2010)

(1 oz)

R100

2009 The White Rhinoceros		R50 (1/2oz)	R20 (1/4 oz)	R10 (1/10 oz)
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27.00 mm	22.00 mm	16.50 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Reverse Die-Sinker:	A Minnie	C Moses	C Moses	A Minnie
Reverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk
Obverse Die-Sinker:	Ml Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers
Obverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk

2010 The Black Rhinoceros	R100 (1 oz)	R50 (1/2 oz)	R20 (1/4 oz)	R10 (1/10 oz)
Size:	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27.00mm	22.00mm	16.50 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Reverse Die-Sinker:	MJ Scheepers	MD Maloka	VL Chipa	MD Maloka
Reverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk
Obverse Die-Sinker :	C Moses	C Moses	C Moses	C Moses
Obverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk

Natures' Families(2011-2013)

2011, The Meerkat (Prestige Proof - Mintage 1000)	R100 (1 oz)	R50 (1/2 oz)	R20 (1/4 oz)	R10 (1/10 oz)
Size:	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27.00mm	22.00mm	16.50 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Reverse Die-Sinker:	MJ Scheepers	C. Moses	MD Mathobela	VL Chipa
Reverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk
Obverse Die-Sinker :	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers
Obverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk

2012, African Painted Wolf (Prestige Proof- Mintage 1000)	R100 (1 oz)	R50 (1/2 oz)	R20 (1/4 oz)	R10 (1/10 oz)
Size:	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27.00mm	22.00mm	16.50 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Reverse Die-Sinker:	MJ Scheepers	C. Moses	MD Mathobela	VL Chipa
Reverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk
Obverse Die-Sinker :	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers
Obverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk

2013, The Zebra Limited Edition: 1000	R100 (1 oz)	R50 (1/2 oz)	R20 (1/4 oz)	R10 (1/10 oz)
Size:	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27.00mm	22.00mm	16.50 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Reverse Die-Sinker:	C Moses	VL Chipa	MJ Scheepers	MD Mothobela
Reverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk
Obverse Die-Sinker :	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers
Obverse Artist:	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk	N van Niekerk

Nocturnal Hunters (2015+)

2014 The Leopard Limited Edition: 1000	R100 (1 oz)	R50 (1/2 oz)	R20 (1/4 oz)	R10 (1/10 oz)
Size:	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27.00mm	22.00mm	16.50 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Reverse Die-Sinker:	MD Mothobela	VL Chipa	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers
Reverse Artist:	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers
Obverse Die-Sinker :	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers
Obverse Artist:	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers

2015 | NOCTURNAL HUNTERS - The Black-Backed Jackal

A new theme within the series, ‘Nocturnal Hunters, was introduced in 2014; the first predator to feature on the coins was the leopard. In 2015, the black-backed jackal is depicted.

The fossil records of the black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) found in South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania date back two million years. Today, this ancient form of canid has adapted to a wide range of habitats, from city suburbs to the desert. Its versatility has earned it a reputation for cunningness and superior intelligence.

Also referred to as the silver-back or red jackal, the black-backed jackal has a reddish-brown coat and a black-tipped bushy tail; the fur on its back is a striking blend of silver and black while the underparts are white. The dog-like head pointed muzzle and upstanding pointed ears are a deep russet red.

The portrait of the black-backed jackal features on the obverse of the 1oz coin in the ‘Nocturnal Hunters’ theme of 2015, together with the year ‘2015’ and the words ‘South Africa’.

On the reverse of each coin, different aspects of the black-backed jackal’s behaviour are shown. The R100 (1oz) coin depicts the jackal lying lazily on its front paws. On the R50 (1/2oz) coin, a jackal pair which has mated for life is featured. The R20 (1/4oz) coin shows a black-backed jackal hunting for rodents while the R10 (1/10oz) coin portrays a mother jackal with her pup.

Due to its striking appearance and wide distribution, the black-backed jackal is one of Africa’s most common and best-known predators. These versatile hunters are mainly active during the night, often spotted at dawn or at dusk, and their haunting call is a typical sound in the African bush at night.

The moon represents the ‘Nocturnal Hunters’ theme of 2015 and unifies the four coins in the Natura series.

2015 The Black-Backed Jackal	R100 (1 oz)	R50 (1/2 oz)	R20 (1/4 oz)	R10 (1/10 oz)
Size:	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27.00mm	22.00mm	16.50 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Reverse Die-Sinker:	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers
Reverse Artist:	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers
Obverse Die-Sinker :	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers
Obverse Artist:	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers

2016 | The Spotted Hyena

A new theme in the Natura coin series, ‘Nocturnal hunters’, was introduced in 2014. The first predator to feature on the coins was the leopard, followed by the black-backed jackal in 2015. The year 2016 sees the final addition to this theme: the spotted (or laughing) hyena (Crocuta crocuta).

The hyena has an extensive vocal range: whoops, fast whoops, grunts, groans, lows, giggles, yells, growls, soft grunt-laughs, whines and soft squeals. Its loud ‘who-oop’ call and its unusual laughter are one of the most recognisable sounds of the African bush at night. The pitch of the laugh indicates the hyena’s age, while variations in the frequency of notes convey information about its social rank.

The reverse of each of the four pure-gold coins depicts a different aspect of the hyena’s behaviour.

The R100 (1 oz) coin features a lone adult hyena, the word ‘Natura’ and the denomination ‘R100’, with the metal value ‘1 oz Au 999.9’. Hyenas can run at speeds of up to 60km/h and have good hearing and sharp eyesight at night. The female is larger than the male and dominates the pack. There is a very strong hierarchy, especially when they are feeding.

The R50 (1/2 oz) coin depicts a pack of hyenas out on a hunt. The spotted hyena hunts in small packs, seeking out weaker members in a herd of antelope. Once the prey has been selected, the pack separates it from the herd and chases it down over long distances. Also shown are the word ‘Natura’, the denomination ‘R50’ and the metal value ‘1/2 oz Au 999.9’.

The R20 (1/4 oz) coin portrays a pair of feeding hyenas. Although primarily a hunter, the hyena also scavenges. The word ‘Natura’ and the denomination ‘R20’, together with the metal value of the coin (‘1/4 oz Au 999.9’), complete the design of the coin.

The R10 (1/10 oz) coin illustrates a female hyena with her cub, together with the word ‘Natura’, the denomination ‘R10’ and the metal value ‘1/10 oz Au 999.9’. The average litter consists of two cubs, born after a gestation period of around 110 days. Cubs are born with soft brownish-black hair and develop the lighter-coloured spotted coat of adults after two to three months. The milk of the spotted hyena has the highest protein content of any terrestrial carnivore and a fat content second only to that of the polar bear and sea otter.

The common obverse features a ‘laughing’ spotted hyena and the words ‘South Africa’ and ‘2016’. The moon, which represents the nocturnal habits of this carnivore, is repeated on each coin, visually linking the four coins.

2016 The Spotted Hyena, Limited Edition: 300	R100 (1 oz)	R50 (1/2 oz)	R20 (1/4 oz)	R10 (1/10 oz)
Size:	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27.00mm	22.00mm	16.50 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Reverse Die-Sinker:	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers
Reverse Artist:	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers
Obverse Die-Sinker :	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers
Obverse Artist:	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers

2017 | The Springbok

2017 The Springbok	R100 (1 oz)	R50 (1/2 oz)	R20 (1/4 oz)	R10 (1/10 oz)
Size:	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27.00mm	22.00mm	16.50 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Reverse Die-Sinker:
Reverse Artist:
Obverse Die-Sinker :
Obverse Artist:

2018 | Palaeontology Series Archosauria

The collection brings to life the ‘Archosauria’ – crocodiles, pterosaurs, dinosaurs and birds or the ruling reptiles that roamed and soared freely in Southern Africa some 200 million years ago.

The five coins in the 2018 Natura series, aptly named “Rise of the Dinosaurs” will be available in 1oz with a face value of R100 as well as in fractionals – ½oz with a face value of R50, ¼oz with a face value of R20, 1/10oz with a face value of R10 and 1/20oz with a face value of R5, with each depicting a different archosaur, all in limited mintages.

The 1oz R100 coin with a limited mintage of 1000 features the Coelophysids which were highly successful primitive theropod dinosaurs that lived on numerous continents from the late Triassic to early Jurassic periods. The small, agile bipedal dinosaur preyed on small animals and inhabited South Africa and Zimbabwe during the early part of the Jurassic period.

Depicted on the ½oz R50 coin is SA’s most famous find, the Massospondylus carinatus, one of the most recognised dinosaurs in the world. Massospondylus is a prosauropod dinosaur that lived in the early Jurassic period, which makes it one of the oldest dinosaurs on earth. 

The Proterosuchidae, similar in form to the crocodile, features on the ¼oz R20 coin. The elongated snout of this creature resembles that of a crocodile or alligator which would suggest that it was a specialised fish eater. 

Erythrosuchidae were Archosauriforms from the late Triassic of South Africa and Namibia and feature on the 1/20oz R10 coin.  The Erythrosuchus africanus was approximately 5 m long and stood over 2 m tall, making it the largest predator of the time. The Erythrosuchus had an exceptionally large skull for its size, occupying approximately a fifth of its total body length. This creature walked on all fours with a semi-erect gait which would have enabled it to move more swiftly than other more primitive reptiles of the same size

Depicted on the 1/20oz R5 coin is the Euparkeria capensis, a reptile which lived approximately 235 million years ago during the Middle Triassic Period. It was first discovered at the beginning of the 20th century in South Africa. Euparkeria was one of the first bipedal vertebrates with their legs longer than their arms, which suggests that they could move around quadrupedally.

All the coins share a common obverse which depicts the fossilised skull, neck and shoulder of an Erythrosuchus africanus. The words ‘Rise of the dinosaurs’, ‘Archosauria’ and the year 2018 as roman numerals ‘MMXVIII’ complete the design.

2018 Palaeontology Series Archosauria	R100 (1 oz)	R50 (1/2 oz)	R20 (1/4 oz)	R10 (1/10 oz)	R5 (1/20 oz)
Size:	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram	1.555g
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27.00mm	22.00mm	16.50 mm	12.00mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Reverse Die-Sinker:	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers
Reverse Artist:	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers
Obverse Die-Sinker :	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers
Obverse Artist:	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers

2019 | CRADLE OF HUMANKIND: Hominids

The second instalment of the palaeontology theme features the ‘Cradle of Humankind – hominids’. Hominin species refer to any member of the family tree that split from the common ancestor we share with chimpanzees and ultimately ended with the appearance of humans, while the term hominid is used to include humankind and the chimpanzee, bonobo, gorilla and orangutan.

These species are represented by the hundreds of thousands of fossils that have been discovered in virtually every province in South Africa, which are far more than the hominin fossils that have been discovered in the rest of the world put together. These fossils also represent more hominin species than those found in any other country in the world.

Thus Africa can be regarded as the birthplace of humankind and therefore everyone on earth can trace their ancestry back to Africa. Of all the countries in the world, no one can tell the story of human origins better than South Africa. The title ‘Cradle of Humankind’ is well deserved because more hominin species have been discovered in South Africa than in any other country in the world.

Every coin in this series is a miniature ambassador that tells the story of the origin of humans and South Africa as the birthplace of humankind.

2019 Cradle of Humankind Australopithecus Natura Launch Mintmarked Set -  Hominids Limited Edition: 500	R100 (1 oz)	R50 (1/2 oz)	R20 (1/4 oz)	R10 (1/10 oz)
Size:	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27.00mm	22.00mm	16.50 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Reverse Die-Sinker:	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers
Reverse Artist:	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers
Obverse Die-Sinker :	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers
Obverse Artist:	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers

 

2020 | NATURA – PALAEONTOLOGY: The rise of the Dinosaurs

A new chapter in the award-winning Natura series began with the introduction of the palaeontology theme in 2018, in recognition of South Africa’s significance to this field and study of plant and animal fossils.

The first instalment of the palaeontology-themed 24ct gold coins focused on ‘Rise of the dinosaurs – Archosauria, and as a response to popular demand, the South African Mint release the very first silver Natura coin under this theme in 2019.

The South African Mint is proud to introduce the 2020 silver Natura coin, the second-ever silver coin to join the Natura series. This coin also focuses on the ‘Rise of the dinosaurs – Archosauria’ theme and bears the same image as the 2018 1oz 24ct gold coin – the Coelophysis rhodesiensis

2020 PALAEONTOLOGY ARCHOSARUS  Limited Edition:	R100 (1 oz)	R50 (1/2 oz)	R20 (1/4 oz)	R10 (1/10 oz)
Size:	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold	24 Karat Gold
Mass:	31.107 gram	15.553 gram	7.777 gram	3.110 gram
Diameter:	32.69 mm	27.00mm	22.00mm	16.50 mm
Metal Content:	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9	Au 999.9
Reverse Die-Sinker:	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers
Reverse Artist:	F Durand	F Durand	F Durand	F Durand
Obverse Die-Sinker :	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers	MJ Scheepers
Obverse Artist:	F Durand	F Durand	F Durand	F Durand

 

Certificate of Authenticity

This Certificate of Authenticity guarantees the quality and authenticity of the coins made by the South African Mint Company. Each coin and coin set issued by the South African Mint Company has a Certificate of Authenticity. The certificate describes the coin’s specifications, the year, and the limited edition as well as a short description of the product. It also depicts the signature of the South African Mint’s Managing Director, Mr Andile Mvinjelwa. To prevent the duplication of a South African Mint product, the certificates are re-designed each year to include the coin design and each certificate is individually numbered according to the limited edition of the coin or set. As another security measure, the South African Mint’s logo, which is printed in transparent ink and only visible under ultra-violet light, features as part of the layout.

 

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