Safari through South Africa - The White Rhinoceros

A new theme called SAFARI THROUGH SOUTH AFRICA begins in 2009 and features The White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) to celebrate the successful "Save the Rhino" project which saved these highly endangered species from certain extinction.

Four of the world's five species of rhinos are "Critically Endangered" and face an extreme risk of extinction in the wild. In 1970, there were around 70,000 rhinos worldwide in total. Today, there are fewer than 18,000 rhino's surviving in the wild around the world, of which 80% are found in South Africa.

Following widespread hunting and the reclamation of land for agriculture, approximately 20-30 white rhinos survived in the late 1800's – mainly in the Umfolozi area of South Africa. Since then, owing to intensive management and protection, as well as the development of techniques for the successful translocation of white rhinos to increase populations, their number has increased. By the end of 2003, the wild white rhino population numbered more than 10,000 white rhinos! This is one of conservation's greatest success stories. Sadly the drastic decline in numbers is caused by humans who poach them for their horns to use in traditional medicine or for ornamental purposes. Land encroachment, and pollution have also destroyed their natural habitat, resulting in severe losses.

In spite of an increase in white rhino population, relentless effort on several key fronts by the "Save the Rhino" campaigners must continue otherwise these prehistoric mega-herbivores will only be known in history books as one of the "Big Five". Fortunately by conserving the Rhino, many other species which interact and share the same habitat are also protected.

The common obverse depicts the White Rhinocerous (Ceratotherium simum). The word Rhinoceros means "nose-horn". The horn is not actually a horn but consists of thickly matted hair consisting of Keratin – a chemical substance that our fingernails are made of. The white rhino is not white (it is actually grey) and has been misnamed due to misinterpretation. Because this species is a true grazer its mouth is wide and square lipped and the first Afrikaners named it "wide-mouthed" or "wyd mond". "Wyd/weit" was translated incorrectly as "white".

Natura Coin Specifications

Natura Prestige Set                                                          

Limited Edition: 1000

The 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 Coins

R100 (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 

Each single Natura coin (1oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz) is packaged in a dark green leatherette box, togehter with an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

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, 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.