Big Five Medallion Series

Africa is known as the untamed continent and home to the Big 5. Once you have tasted its mysterious allure, you will always wish to return.

What is the Big 5, and why does everyone coming to Africa, want to see them? This term originated with the big game hunters who came to these shores to shoot for trophies, before conservation was a priority! Locals warned the hunters about the five most dangerous animals and soon the hunters themselves had gripping stories to tell about these perilous 5. Wild stories left these shores of charging African Elephants, chases by bad tempered Black and White Rhinos, stalking by cunning Southern Leopards, fateful goring by unforgiving African Cape Buffaloes and of hunters and locals alike being dragged off by powerful African Lions.

Today, the Big 5 have become the icons of Africa's greatest assets – its precious wildlife. Conservation efforts throughout Africa are endeavouring to maintain the delicate ecosystems wherein the animals strive to survive against the ever encroaching march of modern civilization. The fight is on to retain Africa's natural wildlife heritage for future generations to come.

The South African Mint Company celebrates Africa's unique natural heritage by embodying the “Big 5” in this set of 24 carat gold and sterling silver medallions, to be treasured forever.

 

1. Designed and Engraved by Vincent Chipa

Big 5 coins

Gold Specificatios

 

Rhino

(1/2 oz)

Lion

(1/2 oz)

Buffalo

(1/2 oz)

Leopard

(1/2 oz)

Elephant

(1/2 oz)

Mass
15.553 gram15.553 gram15.553 gram
15.553 gram
 15.553 gram
Diameter
27.00 mm27.00 mm27.00 mm
27.00 mm 27.00 mm
Metal Content
Au 999.9Au 999.9Au 999.9
Au 999.9
 Au 999.9

These pure gold Big 5 medallions were designed and engraved by VL Chipa

Silver Specifications 

 

Rhino

(1/4 oz)

Lion

(1/4 oz)

Buffalo

(1/4 oz)

Leopard

(1/4 oz)

Elephant

(1/4 oz)

 
Mass
8.406 gram8.406 gram8.406 gram
8.406 gram
 8.406 gram
Diameter
27.00 mm27.00 mm27.00 mm
27.00 mm 27.00 mm
Metal Content
Ag 925 Cu 75Ag 925 Cu 75Ag 925 Cu 75
Ag 925 Cu 75 Ag 925 Cu 75

These sterling silver Big 5 medallions were designed and engraved by VL Chipa

 

Gold Big 5 Medallion Set

Limited Edition: 500

The Gold Big 5 Medallion Set consists of five 24 carat gold medallions (1/2 oz) packaged together in a box made from either “Kiaat”or “Imbuya” wood. In addition each set features an engraving on the lid of the box of the five medallion designs and the words “Africa’s Big 5” and “South African Mint Company”. Each set issued has an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity. This Certificate of Authenticity guarantees the quality and authenticity of the medallions made by the South African Mint Company. Each certificate has been signed by VL Chipa.

 

Sterling Silver Big 5 Medallion

Set Limited Edition: 1000

The Sterling Silver Big 5 Medallion Set consists of five silver medallions (1/4 oz) packaged together in a blue leatherette box. Each set issued has an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity. This Certificate of Authenticity guarantees the quality and authenticity of the medallions made by the South African Mint Company. Each certificate has been signed by VL Chipa.

 

Certificate of Authenticity

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.

 


2. Designed and Engraved by Daisy Maloka

Big 5 coins

Gold Specificatios

 

Rhino

(1/2 oz)

Lion

(1/2 oz)

Buffalo

(1/2 oz)

Leopard

(1/2 oz)

Elephant

(1/2 oz)

 
Mass
15.553 gram15.553 gram15.553 gram
15.553 gram
 15.553 gram
Diameter
27.00 mm27.00 mm27.00 mm
27.00 mm 27.00 mm
Metal Content
Au 999.9Au 999.9Au 999.9
Au 999.9
 Au 999.9

These pure gold Big 5 medallions were designed and engraved by D Maloka

Silver Specifications 

 

Rhino

(1/4 oz)

Lion

(1/4 oz)

Buffalo

(1/4 oz)

Leopard

(1/4 oz)

Elephant

(1/4 oz)

Mass
8.406 gram8.406 gram8.406 gram
8.406 gram
 8.406 gram
Diameter
27.00 mm27.00 mm27.00 mm
27.00 mm 27.00 mm
Metal Content
Ag 925 Cu 75Ag 925 Cu 75Ag 925 Cu 75
Ag 925 Cu 75 Ag 925 Cu 75

These sterling silver Big 5 medallions were designed and engraved by D Maloka

 

Gold Big 5 Medallion Set

Limited Edition: 500

The Gold Big 5 Medallion Set consists of five 24 carat gold medallions (½ oz) packaged together in a box made from either "Kiaat”or “Imbuya” wood. In addition each set features an engraving on the lid of the box of the five medallion designs and the words “Africa’s Big 5” and “South African Mint Company”. Each set issued has an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity. This Certificate of Authenticity guarantees the quality and authenticity of the medallions made by the South African Mint Company. Each certificate has been signed by MD Maloka.

 

Sterling Silver Big 5 Medallion Set

Limited Edition: 1000

The Sterling Silver Big 5 Medallion Set consists of five silver medallions (1/4 oz) packaged together in a blue leatherette box. Each set issued has an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity. This Certificate of Authenticity guarantees the quality and authenticity of the medallions made by the South African Mint Company. Each certificate has been signed by MD Maloka.

 

Certificate of Authenticity

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.