Obverse. Photo © South African Mint
  • 20 Rand 2020, South Africa, Big Five, Leopard
  • 20 Rand 2020, South Africa, Big Five, Leopard
  • 20 Rand 2020, South Africa, Big Five, Leopard, 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 Leopard is the third of the ferocious 5 to be featured in this series. They are the most mysterious and subtle of all the big cats, and their strength enables them to easily drag the body of a large kill onto a tree to protect the carcass from scavengers like hyenas. Their diet sometimes includes fish as they are good swimmers.

Most leopards are light, golden coloured and covered in dark spots referred to as rosettes because of their shape. They are solitary animals; males and females only spend a brief time together while mating, and thereafter go their separate ways again leaving the female to raise the cubs on her own.

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 cunning side profile of the leopard, which fills up much of the surface area of the coin. 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.

SOUTH AFRICA BIG FIVE 2020
ǃKE E: ǀXARRA ǁKE

Reverse

Depicts two halves of the leopard’s face, detailing its eyes, nose and whiskers. This ingenious design allows for a complete close-up of a leopard 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 leap is formed.

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)

Related coins

Elephant

Big Five

Silver, 31.107 g, ⌀ 38.725 mm
Lion

Big Five

Silver, 31.107 g, ⌀ 38.725 mm
Leopard

Big Five

Silver, 31.107 g, ⌀ 38.725 mm