Coin of the day, day 7: Rhino
2020 | Big 5: Rhino
The South African Mint celebrates Africa’s unique natural heritage by embodying the strength and beauty of the Big Five in this new series of legal tender coins.
The coins are issued every 6 months, starting with the Elephant and the Lion in 2019. The Rhino is the third of the ferocious 5 to be featured in this first series. Rhinoceroses are easily recognised by their prehistoric features such as armour-like bodies and the horns on their foreheads.
Rhinos, unfortunately, face a dire threat from poaching and rank among the most endangered species on earth. Their horns are made up of the highly sought after keratin, which is used for its supposed medicinal purposes.
The “Big Five” term originated when big game hunters visited the shores of Africa to shoot for trophies, and locals warned them about the five most dangerous animals in Africa: the Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Rhino, and Buffalo.
Artist: J.A. Geldenhuys
Designer: R.C. Stone
Engraver: P. Botes
Obverse
Depicts the design of the African Rhino, which fills up much of the surface area of the coin. The words ‘South Africa’, ‘Big 5 2020’ appear below the image, with South Africa’s national coat-of-arms in the centre.
The Coat of Arms has many elements organized into two oval groups, one on top of the other. Together the two ovals create a symbol of infinity.
Reverse
Depicts two halves of the rhino’s face, detailing its eye, ears and horn, with denomination, weight and finesse in a circle in the middle. This ingenious design allows for a complete close-up of a rhino to be seen only when two of the coins are placed next to each other (as seen in the double-capsule proof set). When multiple coins are placed next to each other, a herd is formed.
Type: Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material: Silver
Fineness: 0.999
Weight: 31.107 g
Diameter: 38.725 mm
Shape: round
Alignment: Medal
Mint: South African Mint (SA Mint)
You can find dealers for South African Mint’s coins here: Authorised Dealers - The South African Mint Company (samint.co.za)
Source: South African Mint
Rate this coin.
By rating this coin, you will participate in our “Coin of the Day” competition. Read more here. Come back tomorrow to rate another coin, and earn more chances to win the weekly prize!