Obverse. Photo © South African Mint
  • 20 Rand 2019, South Africa, Big Five, Lion
  • 20 Rand 2019, South Africa, Big Five, Lion
  • 20 Rand 2019, South Africa, Big Five, Lion, Box with a certificate of authenticity
Description

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 one-ounce 99,95% platinum coins.

The coins are issued every 6 months, starting with the Elephant and the Lion in 2019. The Lion is the second animal to be featured. The Lion is universally known for its indomitable spirit as the king of the jungle, and symbolises royalty and strength in some African cultures, while the lioness represents femininity and motherhood.

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 close-up image of a male lion's head. The country name, the series title "Big 5" and the issue date 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. At the base is the motto "Diverse People Unite" written in the Khoisan language of the ǀXam people.

PB
SOUTH AFRICA BIG FIVE 2019
ǃKE E: ǀXARRA ǁKE

Reverse

Depicts two halves of a lion’s face, side by side. This ingenious design allows for a complete close-up of a lion to be seen only when two of the coins are placed next to each other. When multiple coins are placed next to each other, a whole pack of lions can be seen.

TWENTY RAND
1oz
Pt 999.5
PB

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Platinum
Fineness 0.9995
Weight 31.107 g
Diameter 32.69 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
South African Mint (SA Mint)

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Republic, African Elephant

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Republic, Leopard

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Silver, 31.1 g, ⌀ 38.6 mm