Birds Series
2018–2022, 12 coins
Flowers Series
2021–2023, 8 coins
Waterberg Reserve
2018, 4 coins
Metal
Sterling Silver (.925)
Denominations
R5, R10
Mintages
400–2,500
Flora and Fauna Color Coin Series (2018–2023)
Stunning 1 oz silver proof coins with vibrant applied color, celebrating South Africa's natural heritage. This page covers the "Birds of South Africa", "Flowers of South Africa", and the "Waterberg Biosphere Reserve" series.
At a Glance
- Birds: 12 coins, 2018–2022
- Flowers: 8 coins, 2021–2023
- Waterberg: 4 coins, 2018
- Metal: Sterling Silver (.925)
- Finish: Proof with color
Birds of South Africa (2018–2022)
This series features 12 different bird species, with two coins released per year from 2018 to 2022. Each coin is a 1 oz silver R5 denomination, struck in proof quality and finished with vibrant color.
Release Schedule
- 2018: African Hoopoe, Cape Parrot
- 2019: Malachite Kingfisher, Knysna Turaco
- 2020: African Pygmy Kingfisher, Southern Red Bishop
- 2021: Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, Lilac-breasted Roller
- 2022: African Fish Eagle, Blue Crane, Cape Sugarbird, Crowned Crane
Each coin is typically housed in a blister card with a numbered certificate of authenticity. The reverse features the bird in its natural habitat, with its scientific name included in the design.
Flowers of South Africa (2021–2023)
Following the success of the Birds series, the Mint launched a parallel series celebrating South Africa's unique flora. This 8-coin series, also struck on 1 oz silver R5 planchets, showcases the country's most beautiful proteas and other fynbos species.
Release Schedule
- 2021: King Protea, Pincushion Protea
- 2022: Sugarbush, Marsh Rose, Queen Protea
- 2023: Blushing Bride, Golden Cone Bush, Silver Tree
️ Waterberg Biosphere Reserve Series (2018)
In 2018, the South African Mint released a dedicated series celebrating the flora and fauna of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve in Limpopo. This series is distinct from the Birds and Flowers sets and features its own unique obverse design.
The obverse of all Waterberg coins features a map of South Africa indicating the location of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, together with the words "South Africa" and the year "2018".
Individual Coins
- Yellow-throated Sandgrouse (R10): Features a color image of the bird, with the scientific name Pterocles gutturalis. Mintage: 1,000. Comes in a blister card with certificate.
- White-backed Night Heron (R10): A complementary bird species from the reserve.
- Orange Tritonia (R5): A colorful flower species from the reserve.
- Grass Crinum (R5): Another flora-themed coin from the set.
Waterberg Prestige Set (2018)
A limited-edition Prestige Set was also released, containing all four Waterberg coins in a single presentation.
- Contents: 4 x 1 oz Silver Proof coins with color.
- Mintage: Only 400 sets worldwide.
- Packaging: Original wooden box with a numbered certificate of authenticity.
- Denomination: The set carries a total face value of 30 Rand.
Collector Value Guide
Values are based on recent dealer listings and are approximate. Complete sets and prestige issues command a premium.
| Item | Mintage | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Birds set (12 coins) | 2,500 per coin | $600 – $1,200 |
| Complete Flowers set (8 coins) | 2,500 per coin | $400 – $800 |
| Individual Birds/Flowers coin | 2,500 | $50 – $80 |
| Waterberg Yellow-throated Sandgrouse (R10) | 1,000 | ~$115 (€95) |
| Waterberg Prestige Set (4 coins) | 400 | ~$515 (€425) |
Note: Prices for individual coins can vary based on condition, the presence of original packaging, and market demand for specific species.
Sources
- South African Mint product archives.
- EMK.com – Waterberg Biosphere Reserve Prestige-Set (2018)
- EMK.com – 1 oz Silver Coin: Yellow-Throated Sandgrouse (2018)
- Numismatic dealer listings and auction records.