Peace Parks

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

The South African Mint Company is proud to commemorate one of Southern Africa's greatest achievements, the Transfrontier Parks on this legal tender sterling silver coin series. Also aptly described as Peace Parks, these large conservation areas transcend borders, enabling game to follow natural migratory patterns. Countriesshare their experience and expertise to guarentee the long-term conservation and to maintain the integrity of these ecosystems, whilst promoting tourism and supporting the surrounding communities.

Southern Africa's first Peace Park, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, was formally launched on 12 May 2000 by President Festus Mogae of Botswana and President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa. The name "Kgalagadi" means "place of thirst" or "thirstland" and appropriately describes this parched land of spectacular red and white parallel sand dunes and Kalahari bushveld.

Gemsbok wandering through the vast beautiful landscape are depicted on the reverse of the 50c (2 oz) coin. The elegant gemsbok is the official symbol of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Other ungulates that exist in large herds are springbok, blue wildebeest, eland and to a lesser extent red hartebeest.

This region of the Kalahari supports a great variety of large and small predators. The imposing black-maned lion features togther with the surricats on the reverse of the 20c (1 oz) coin.

An important development in conservation as a land use option took place in October 2002 when a total of almost 58 000 ha of land in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park was restored to the Khoisan, Khomani San and Mier communities. This San Heritage Land is managed by SANParks whilst the communities retain commercial benefits and rights, as well as the use of the land for symbolic and cultural purposes. The Khoisan are represented on the reverse of the 10c(1/2 oz) coin by two young hunters and an elderly woman, the custodian of San traditions and history.

In this land, where water is more precious than gold, the tsamma melon is an invaluable source of moisture for both humans and animals. This remarkable plant is featured on the 5c (1/4 oz) coin.

On the reverse of all four coins, the denomination hangs by two strands of leather or wire. The two interwoven strands symbolise the two countries (Botswana and South Africa) which must work together to maintain this unique ecosystem for generations to come. The South African Coat of Arms, the words "South Africa" and the year "2007" are featured on the common obverse of all the four coins.

Sterling Silver Coin Specifications

Prestige Set

Limited Edition: 700

The Wildlife Prestige Set consists of the sterling silver coins (50c, 20c, 10c, 5c) packaged together in a wooden box which is made from an indiginous South African wood called "Emboya". A Kgalagadi lion and Gemsbok are featured on the lid of the box. Each coin set issued has an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Proof Set

Limited Edition: 1500

The Wildlife Proof Set consists of the sterling sliver coins (50c, 20c, 10c, 5c) packaged together in a black leatherette box. Each coin set issued has an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Single Coins

50c (2 oz) - Limited Edition 3000

20c (1 oz) - Limited Edition 3000

10c (1/2 oz) - Limited Edition 3000

5c (1/4 oz) - Limited Edition 3000

Each single Wildlife coin is packaged in a black leatherette box. Each coin issued has an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity. his Certificate of Authenticity guarentees the quality and authenticity of the coins made by the South African Mint Company.

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.