| 2010 Natura Coin Series |
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Safari through South Africa - The Black RhinocerosThe Natura’s "Safari through South Africa" theme commenced in 2009 with the White Rhinoceros. The critically endangered Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) is featured on the 2010 Natura series and together with the 2009 series, these coins highlight the severe threat these rhinos now face from poachers who use highly sophisticated equipment and poaching methods. The name Black Rhinoceros was chosen to distinguish it from the White Rhinoceros. Both names are misleading as the two species are not really distinguishable by color. The White Rhino is a mistranslation of the Dutch word wijd for wide, referring to its square upper lip with which to eat grass, as opposed to the pointed or hooked lip of the leaf-eating Black Rhino. They are now often referred to as the Square-lipped (for White) or Hook-lipped (for Black) Rhino. The Black Rhino can be distinguished from the White Rhino by its smaller body, skull and ears and of course, its mouth. The Black Rhino is an herbivorous browser that eats leafy plants, branches, shoots, thorny wood bushes, and fruit. Their diet helps to reduce the amount of woody plants which results in more grasses growing for the benefit of other animals and they can live for up to 5 days without water during a drought. Black Rhinos are solitary animals except when they come together to mate. Mothers and calves will sometimes congregate in small groups for short periods of time and the calf will stay with the mother for 2–3 years until the next calf is born. In natural conditions, the life expectancy of the Black Rhino is from 35-50 years. However, with the current renewed interest in the mythical powers of rhino horns, this species faces extinction instead of a long life. Depicted on each coin is the IUCN Red List "1970 – 70,000; 2010 – 4,240". These statistics embedded in gold, affirm that the Black Rhino is now in critical danger of extinction! Natura Coin Specifications
Natura Prestige SetLimited Edition: 1000The Natura Prestige Set consists of four 24 carat gold coins (1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz) packaged together in a box made from either “Kiaat”or “Imbuya” wood. In addition each set has a plaque featuring the name “Natura Prestige Set” as well as the year “2009” and the individual number of the set. Each set issued has an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
Single CoinsR100 (1 oz) - Limited Edition: 1500 R50 (1/2 oz) - Limited Edition: 1500 R20 (1/4 oz) - Limited Edition: 3000 R10 (1/10 oz) - Limited Edition: 3000
Certificate of AuthenticityThis Certificate of Authenticity guarantees the quality and authenticity of the coins made by the South African Mint Company. |

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