Richtersveld Transfortier Park

Themes celebrating South Africa's natural heritage have been featured on these four sterling silver coins since the series' inception in 2000. The 'Big5' feautured from 2000-2004 and 'Hunters of Africa' in 2005-2006. A new theme featuring southern Africa's Peace Parks commenced with the Kgalagadi Transfortier Park in 2007 and in 2008 features the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfortier Park (ARTP).

On 1st August 2003, a treaty was signed by President Sam Nujoma of Namibia and President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, established the ARTP. The ARTP includes the |Ai-| Ais Hot Springs Game aprk in Namibia and the Richtersveld National Parkin South Africa. Each park has its own management Plan  but certain cross border issues require a joint management approach by all stakeholders concerned. The ARTP encompasses an area of some 6045 km(2) stretching across some of the most spectacular arid and desert mountain scenery in southern Africa. The two parks share a common boundary in the Orange river, an oasis of greenery in this harsh but viually spectacular land with temperatures often reaching well over 40 degrees celcius in some places. The diverse vegetation is a result of two different rainfall systems and climatic zones and although the areas look barren and desolate at first glance, closer examination reveals a rich array of unique species adapted for survival. The ARTP features the second largest canyon in the world, the Fish River Canyon. In certain areas, the canyon floor lies more than 550m below the plateau and rock up to 2600 million years old are revealed. The |Ai-| Ais Hot Springs are found south of the canyon.

The local Nama people continue to live and graze their livestockin the Park and their colourful history in the Richtersveld area dates as far back as 2000 years. Their traditional lifestyle is based on nomadic pastoralism and they sustain themselves in this difficult and fragile environment by maintaining an intimate familiarity and respect of the land. They are part of thsi harsh, spectacular landscape with its great variety of succulents which transform the land after good winter rain with their mass display of flowers.

The caracteristics Orbea namaquensis, one of the 2400 succulents which forms part of the 'Succulent Karoo' biome, the giant tree aloe (Aloe pillansii) and the shy klipspringer ( Oreotragus oreotragus) which are depicted on the coins, are symbolic of this unique and dramatic environment.

Sterling Silver Coin Specifications

Prestige Set

Limited Edition:700

The Wildlife Prestige Set cocsists of the sterling silver coins (50c, 20c, 10c and 5c) packaged together in a wooden box which is made from an indigenous South African wood called 'Emboya'. A landscape in the |Ai|Ais-/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is featured on the lid of the box. Each set issued has an individual numbered Certificate of Authenticity. This Certificate of Authenticity guarantees the quality and authenticity of the coins made by the South African Mint Company.

Proof Set

Limited Edition: 1500

The Wildlife Proof Set consists of the sterling silver coins (50c, 20c, 10c and 5c) packaged together in a black leatherette box. Each set issued has an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity. This Certificate of Authenticity guarantees the quality and authenticity of the coins made by the South African Mint Company.

Single Coins 

50c(2oz) - Limited Edition: 1500

20c(1oz) - Limited Edition: 1500

10c(1/2oz) - Limited Edition: 1500

5c(1/4oz) - Limited Edition: 1500

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

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 andeach 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.