Obverse. Photo © South African Mint
  • 50 Rand 2022, South Africa, Big Five, Rhinoceros II
  • 50 Rand 2022, South Africa, Big Five, Rhinoceros II
  • 50 Rand 2022, South Africa, Big Five, Rhinoceros II, Box with a certificate of authenticity
  • 50 Rand 2022, South Africa, Big Five, Rhinoceros II, Double-capsule Proof set
Description

The South African Mint celebrates Africa’s unique natural heritage by embodying the strength and beauty of the Big Five in the second series of fine-silver brilliant uncirculated legal tender coins. Boasting a new coin design of Africa’s majestic five, the range will once again depict the Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Rhino, and Buffalo in incredible detail on the obverse and reverse sides of the coins. The design on the reverse of the coins in Series II remains the same as that of the previous designs in series I. However, the common obverse of the coins takes on a new look.

Rhinos (Rhinocerotidae) are native to the grasslands and tree savannahs of sub-Saharan Africa. The population is estimated to be about 25,000 white and black rhinos, many of which live in Kruger National Park. After elephants, rhinos are the largest and heaviest land-dwelling mammals in the world. Although the "gray colossi," whose diet consists entirely of plants, seem rather cumbersome, they can reach impressive speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour. Sight is rather weak in rhinos, but they have a very fine sense of smell and can detect odors over a distance of several hundred meters under favorable wind conditions. These fascinating giants are in extreme need of protection in view of the rising trend of poaching - the African black rhino in particular is considered to be threatened with extinction.

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, facing the right-hand side, unlike in the previous series where it is facing the left-hand side. 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 2022
ǃKE E: ǀXARRA ǁKE

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. When multiple coins are placed next to each other, a herd is formed.

FIFTY RAND
1/4
oz
Au999.9
PB

Edge

50 Rand

Quarter-Ounce
KM#
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.9999
Weight 7.777 g
Diameter 22 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
South African Mint (SA Mint)

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