Years
1994–2012 (original run) [citation:1][citation:10]
Metal
.9999 Fine Gold (24kt) [citation:2][citation:4][citation:5]
Denominations
1 oz (100R), ½ oz (50R), ¼ oz (20R), 1/10 oz (10R) [citation:2][citation:4][citation:5]
Theme
South African Wildlife [citation:1][citation:5][citation:10]
Finish
Proof [citation:2][citation:3][citation:7]
Mint
South African Mint [citation:2][citation:4][citation:5]
Natura Series (1994–2012)
Celebrating South Africa's wildlife heritage in 24kt gold. The Natura series was the first pure gold (.9999) commemorative series issued by the South African Mint, featuring annually changing wildlife themes [citation:1][citation:6]. It has become one of the most sought-after coin series after Krugerrands and Mandela Coins [citation:1].
Key Facts
- First issued: 1994 [citation:1][citation:10]
- Pure gold (.9999) [citation:6]
- Four sizes per year [citation:2][citation:4][citation:5]
- Limited mintages (e.g., 400-700 sets) [citation:2][citation:4]
- Conservation donations from proceeds [citation:1][citation:10]
Series Overview
The Natura series stands as one of the most prestigious commemorative coin programs in world numismatics. Introduced in 1994—the year of South Africa's first democratic elections—the series showcases the country's rich biodiversity through high‑purity gold [citation:1][citation:10]. It was the first 24-karat gold coin series of the South African Mint [citation:6].
Each year focuses on a specific animal, with designs evolving across the four fractional sizes to create a cohesive artistic narrative. The coins are struck in .9999 fine gold, distinguishing them from the Krugerrand's 22‑carat alloy [citation:2][citation:4][citation:5].
The Natura Series has been the most successful for the Mint, having received many awards, including the prestigious "Most Beautiful Commemorative Gold Coin" awarded at the 27th Annual Mint Directors Conference [citation:10].
"The Natura coins are renowned for their artistic detail and limited mintage, making them highly sought after by collectors and investors alike." — APMEX [citation:5]
Supporting Wildlife Conservation
Over the past twenty years, the South African Mint has made a significant contribution to the conservation of endangered species by donating a portion of the proceeds raised by the buying of the coins to selected projects [citation:1]. For example:
- 2009 and 2010: White and black rhino coin collections supported the fight against rhino poaching [citation:10].
- 2014 Leopard Coin Collection: 3.5% from the sale of the first 600 mint-marked coins was donated to the Cape Leopard Trust, as well as the full amount earned through the online auction sale of coin '001/300' [citation:1][citation:10].
Technical Specifications
The series comprises four standard fractional sizes, each with its own denomination [citation:2][citation:4][citation:5]:
| Denomination | Gold Weight | Gross Weight | Diameter | Purity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Rand | 1 oz (31.103g) | ~31.1g | 32.69mm | .9999 |
| 50 Rand | ½ oz (15.552g) | ~15.5g | 27.00mm | .9999 |
| 20 Rand | ¼ oz (7.776g) | 7.77g | 22.00mm | .9999 [citation:6] |
| 10 Rand | 1/10 oz (3.110g) | ~3.1g | 16.50mm | .9999 |
Finish: Proof (mirror fields, frosted devices) [citation:2][citation:3][citation:7].
Edge: Reeded.
Mint: South African Mint, Pretoria [citation:2][citation:4][citation:5].
Annual Themes
The Natura Series theme began in 1994 and ran with the Big Five – lion, rhino, leopard, elephant and buffalo – until 1998. A complete set of the Big Five can sell for around R60,000 [citation:1].
The series was relaunched in 2011 featuring the 'Nature's Families' series, starting with the Meerkat family, followed by the endangered African painted wolf (also called the African wild dog) in 2012, and the zebra in 2013 [citation:1][citation:6].
| Year | Theme | Notes / Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1994–1998 | Big Five | Lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, buffalo [citation:1] |
| 2003 | Lion (10th Anniversary) | Limited 2-piece set (1 oz & ½ oz) with medallion; mintage only 700 sets [citation:4][citation:8] |
| 2008 | Elephant | 4-coin set; one of the most popular series [citation:5] |
| 2009 | White Rhino | Prestige Set with silver figurine; mintage only 400 sets [citation:2] |
| 2011 | Meerkat Family | First of the 'Nature's Families' series [citation:1][citation:6][citation:10] |
| 2012 | African Painted Wolf (African Wild Dog) | Nature's Families series [citation:1][citation:6] |
| 2013 | Zebra | Last of the Nature's Families series [citation:1][citation:6][citation:10] |
2003 Lion 10th Anniversary Set
The 2003 Lion set is particularly prized. It contains a total of 1.85 oz of .9999 fine Gold and a .43 oz silver 10th Anniversary medallion. The obverse of each gold coin depicts the head of a male lion surrounded by the legend and the date. The reverse features various images of lions in the wild with the coin's weight, fineness and denomination. Mintage was limited to only 700 sets [citation:4][citation:8].
2008 Elephant Set
APMEX calls it a "Limited edition Natura set from South Africa with all coins certified as perfect Proof 69! One of the most popular series offered by the mint." The four coins feature different views of an elephant in the wild [citation:5].
2009 White Rhino Prestige Set
This exclusive set includes the four gold coins (100R, 50R, 20R, 10R) and a sterling silver figurine in the shape of a rhinoceros. It is dedicated to the White rhino (Ceratotherium simum) and has a limited mintage of only 400 sets. It comes in a noble wooden box with a certificate of authenticity [citation:2].
Collecting the Natura Series
- Complete Sets – All four denominations for a given year. Some years also offered 2-coin prestige sets.
- Single Coins – Target specific animals or sizes.
- Themed Collection – Focus on one animal across years (e.g., all big cat issues).
Certification is recommended for high‑value pieces. PF69 Ultra Cameo is a standard grade for top‑quality examples, as seen with the 2008 Elephant set [citation:5] and the 2008 100 Rand (PR69DCAM) [citation:9]. Coins are often sold in original boxes with certificates of authenticity [citation:2][citation:4].
It is important to note that as collectable items, the resale value of Natura coins can be subject to market trends and what is 'fashionable' at the time [citation:1]. Their prices are linked to supply and demand, unlike Krugerrands which trade closer to the gold spot price [citation:10].
Market Information
- 2003 Lion 2-coin set (1 oz & ½ oz): approx. $6,838.44 (as low as) [citation:8].
- 2008 4-coin Elephant Set (PF69 UCAM): commands a premium over melt [citation:5]. A single 2008 100 Rand (1 oz) graded PR69DCAM sold for $14,427 in 2020 [citation:9].
- 1996 1 oz Elephant (KM-204): Sold for $1,400 in 2019. Part of the Monarchs of Africa series with a mintage of 4,472 pieces [citation:7].
- Complete Big Five set (1994-1998): approx. R60,000 [citation:1].
Sources
- JustMoney. "Helping nature with gold" (2014). [citation:1]
- EMK. "White Rhino - Prestige Set" (2009). [citation:2]
- APMEX. "2003 South Africa Gold Natura Lion 10th Anniversary Set". [citation:4]
- APMEX. "2008 South Africa 4-Coin Gold Natura Elephant Set PF-69 NGC". [citation:5]
- ESG Edelmetall-Handel. "Goldmünze 1/4oz 'Wildhund' 2012 Natura". [citation:6]
- Golden Eagle Coins. "South Africa 2 piece 2003 Natura gold set, Lion". [citation:8]
- PCGS. "2008 100 R Natura - Elephant Auction Detail". [citation:9]
- Moneyweb. "SA mint releases new gold coin" (2014). [citation:10]