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The South African Mint captured the “Best Gold Coin” category in the Coin of the Year (COTY) Awards for coins dated 2022. The 50 Rand, 1 ounce gold coin features a striking image of a lion and is the second animal theme to be released in the second series of the South African Mint’s “Big 5, Series 2” coin collection.

Africa’s “Big Five” animals include the elephant, lion, buffalo, rhinoceros, and leopard. Hunters coined the term “Big Five,” as the large animals were the five most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt down on foot. They have come to represent Africa’s diverse wildlife and are now the most highly sought after animals on African safaris.

“The lion, universally known as the king of the jungle, embodies the indomitable spirit and pride of Africa. As we see the recovery of the world economy and that of South Africa in general, we are very eager to continue to demonstrate the strength and beauty of the African continent through the amazing Big 5 series,” said Honey Mamabolo, Managing Director of the South African Mint. “Looking at the composition and cooperation within a pride of lions we are assured that we are stronger together – this coin in the series is a tangible reminder to walk with the pride.”

The obverse of the coin features an all new image of a lion, with the focus on the graceful beauty of the regal animals. The words “South Africa,” “Big Five 2022,” and South Africa’s coat of arms are also incorporated into the design. Paul Botes served as the engraver.

The reverse design remains the same as series I. This split portrait features a unique feature, which reveals a complete portrait of a lion only when placed side by side with another coin. In this way, an entire pride can be built by placing multiple coins next to each other. The nominal value “FIFTY RAND,” the weight “1oz,” and the fineness “Au 999.9” can be seen in a circle.

The proof Lion coin from South Africa’s “Big 5, Series 2” weighs 31.107 grams and measures 32.69 mm in diameter. Mintage is limited to 500.  It was sold alone and in a set that included a privy marked silver Krugerrand and a silver version of the lion coin. 

In addition to a 50 Rand, ¼ ounce gold proof, the Lion was made in other precious metals.  A one-ounce platinum 20 Rand denomination 32.8 mm coin was made with a mintage of 500; a 38.72mm, 5 Rand, one ounce proof silver coin with a mintage of 3,000, and a 5 Rand uncirculated silver coin with a mintage of 15,000, sold in a blister pack, was also made.

All the South African “Big 5, Series 2” coins are made in large formats including the 5 ounce and 1kg silver: and 5 ounce and 1kg gold.  The 5 ounce gold is the first of the series in this size with a mintage of 50.