Page 22 - 2017 Collectable Coins Brochure

2017 R1 GOLD SERIES
REPTILES OF SOUTH AFRICA: THE PUFF ADDER
R1 (1/10oz) 24ct gold
The theme ‘South African Reptiles’ began
in 2015 on the R1 (1/10 oz) pure gold coin featuring the Nile crocodile, followed by the Cape dwarf chameleon in 2016. The puff adder (Bitis arietans) is featured on the 2017 coin and represents the snakes within this series.
The puff adder is the most common and widespread snake on the African continent. Its colour pattern varies geographically, ranging
from yellow through to red-brown, overlaid with
a pattern of dark brown to black chevron or u-shaped bands. This colouration and pattern serves as camouflage for both hunting and defence purposes. The snake rarely hunts actively but is known for being extremely aggressive when
Reverse
Common Obverse
disturbed; its name is resultant of the snake’s habit of inflating itself and loudly hissing as a warning when disturbed.
After striking its prey, with arguably the fastest strike of 0,25 of a second, it releases its prey as venom is injected and later track the prey through smell.
On the R1 coin the puff adder is shown sniffing the air with its tongue. The denomination of ‘R1’ and the metal value of ‘1/10 oz Au 999.9’, together with its name, is shown. The South African coat
of arms and the year 2017 is presented on the obverse.
R1 (1/10 OZ) 24 CARAT GOLD
REF NM: G24-PC-R1T17
Mass
Diameter
Metal Content Reverse Die-Sinker Obverse Die-Sinker Reverse Artist Obverse Artist Mintage
3.110 g
16,50 mm
Au 999.9
VL Chipa
AL Sutherland
L Guerra
AL Sutherland Single Coin: 500
20
Denotes Proportional size