Obverse. Photo © South African Mint
  • 20 Rand 2021, South Africa, Big Five, Elephant II
  • 20 Rand 2021, South Africa, Big Five, Elephant II
  • 20 Rand 2021, South Africa, Big Five, Elephant II, 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 the second series of one-ounce 99,95% platinum 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.

The elephant symbolizes the qualities of wisdom and intelligence. For millennia, these ancient beasts have travelled the earth, moving to a rhythm beyond our understanding, their collective memory holding the history of our great continent through the ages.

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 an Elephant’s face profiled up-close, facing the right-hand side without any part of the body shown. This is in contrast to series I, where the animal faces the left, and a part of the body is depicted in the design, with downward-facing tusks. 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 2021
ǃKE E: ǀXARRA ǁKE

Reverse

Depicts two halves of the animal’s face. This ingenious design allows for a complete close-up of an elephant to be seen only when two of the coins are placed next to each other.

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

Republic, African Buffalo

Big Five

Silver, 31.1 g, ⌀ 38.6 mm
Republic, African Elephant

Big Five

Silver, 31.1 g, ⌀ 38.6 mm
Republic, Leopard

Big Five

Silver, 31.1 g, ⌀ 38.6 mm