Launched
2019
Series I
2019–2021 (portrait left)
Series II
2022–2023 (portrait right)
Series III
2024–2028 (full body in motion)
Metals
Gold (.9999) & Silver (.999)
Signature Design
Split‑face reverse
Big Five Series (2019–present)
One of the South African Mint's flagship programmes, celebrating the elephant, lion, rhinoceros, leopard, and buffalo. The series has evolved through three iterations, with the signature split‑face reverse design that allows two coins to be placed side by side to form a complete animal portrait.
The Big Five
- Elephant (2019, 2024)
- Lion (2020, 2026)
- Rhino (2021, 2025)
- Leopard (2022, 2027)
- Buffalo (2023, 2028)
Series Overview
The Big Five Series is one of the South African Mint's most successful programmes . Launched in 2019, it features the five most iconic African animals: the African elephant, lion, rhinoceros, leopard, and buffalo – considered emblems and ambassadors of this culturally rich country .
The South African Mint's Big Five coins are among the most sought-after issues in the world . The series has been issued in three iterations, each with a distinct design evolution:
- Series I (2019–2021): Featured portrait designs with the animal's face looking left
- Series II (2022–2023): Continued the portrait format with the animal's face looking right
- Series III (2024–2028): Features full-figure depictions of the animals in motion, instead of the portrait designs that typified the first two series
The award-winning reverse design remains consistent across all three series: two halves of the animal's face that, when placed next to one another, create a complete portrait. If multiple coins are placed side by side, a whole herd appears .
Series III (2024–2028)
The third series, launched in late 2024, represents a significant change in design while maintaining a strong link to the previous series. The coins feature full-figure depictions of the animals in motion .
Release Schedule
- 2024 – Elephant (released)
- 2025 – Rhino (announced)
- 2026 – Lion (future)
- 2027 – Leopard (future)
- 2028 – Buffalo (future)
2024 Elephant – Available Formats & Mintages
The first issue of Series III, dedicated to the African elephant, was released in September-October 2024 . The following formats were offered :
| Format | Denomination | Metal / Purity | Weight | Diameter | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 oz Gold Proof | 50 Rand | Au 999.9 | 31.107g | 32.69mm | 500 |
| ¼ oz Gold Proof | 50 Rand | Au 999.9 | 7.777g | 22.0mm | 2,000 |
| 5 oz Gold Proof | – | Au 999.9 | 155.535g | 50mm | 50 |
| 1 kg Gold Proof | – | Au 999.9 | 1000g | 90mm | 10 |
| 1 oz Silver Proof | 5 Rand | Ag 999 | 31.107g | 38.725mm | – |
| 1 oz Silver BU | 5 Rand | Ag 999 | 31.1g | 38.73mm | 10,000-15,000 |
| Double Capsule Silver Set (2 x 1 oz) | 10 Rand | Ag 999 | 62.2g | 38.73mm each | 1,000 |
| 5 oz Silver | – | Ag 999 | 155.535g | 64mm | 500 |
| 1 kg Silver | – | Ag 999 | 1000g | 100mm | 100 |
| Elephant + Krugerrand Gold Set | – | Au 999.9 | 2 oz total | – | 100 |
| Elephant + Krugerrand Silver Set | – | Ag 999 | 2 oz total | – | 1,000 |
Special Features of the 2024 Elephant Issue
- Double Capsule Silver Set: Two 1 oz silver coins in a double capsule with removable tray for displaying both sides
- Oxpecker Detail: The reverse features a filigree engraving of a yellow-billed oxpecker (Buphagus africanus), highlighting the importance of integrated ecology
- BU Coins: The Brilliant Uncirculated silver coin is delivered in a sealed assay card or blister folder with informative text
2025 Rhino (Upcoming)
The second issue of Series III, dedicated to the rhinoceros, is scheduled for 2025. Preliminary information indicates :
- 1 oz Silver BU – limited mintage of 10,000 pieces
- ¼ oz Gold Proof – limited mintage of 2,000 pieces, delivered in wooden box with numbered certificate
- Full-body depiction of a rhino in motion on the obverse
Series I & II Highlights
The success of the Big Five series began with Series I and II. Notable issues include:
- 2021 Buffalo (Series I, 5th issue): 1 oz Gold Proof, limited mintage of only 500 pieces worldwide . The reverse features two halves of a buffalo head that join to form a complete portrait. Delivered in original wooden box with numbered certificate.
- 2021 Buffalo (Series I): 1 oz Silver Proof, also available with limited mintages.
These earlier series established the signature split-face reverse design that continues to define the programme .
Technical Specifications (Series III)
The most popular formats for collectors are the 1 oz gold and 1 oz silver coins :
| Denomination | Metal / Purity | Gold Weight | Gross Weight | Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 Rand | Gold .9999 | 1 oz | 31.107g | 32.69mm |
| 50 Rand | Gold .9999 | ¼ oz | 7.777g | 22.0mm |
| 5 Rand | Silver .999 | 1 oz | 31.1g | 38.7mm |
Finish: Proof (mirror fields, frosted devices) or Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) .
Signature design: The reverse shows two halves of the animal's head; when two coins are placed next to each other, they form a complete close-up portrait .
Collecting Strategies
- Complete Series III Set – All five animals in chosen metal over the five-year release period.
- Annual Acquisition – Purchase each year's release as it becomes available.
- Themed Focus – Collect only one animal across all three series to observe design evolution.
- Format Specialisation – Focus on large formats (1 kg gold, 5 oz gold, 1 kg silver) which have extremely low mintages (e.g., 1 kg gold only 10 pieces ).
- Krugerrand Combination Sets – The 2024 Elephant set includes a mint‑marked Krugerrand with an elephant mintmark above the springbok's back – a unique collectible .
PCGS maintains a Set Registry category for "South African Silver 1 Ounce (5 Rand) Big Five, Circulation Strikes (2019–Present)".
Market Information (Indicative)
- 2024 1 oz Silver BU Elephant: Approx. €74.50 – €84.50 (including VAT)
- 2024 Double Capsule Silver Set: Premium over two individual coins due to presentation and low mintage
- 2021 1 oz Gold Buffalo Proof: Approx. €5,450 (ex-VAT)
- 2025 ¼ oz Gold Rhino Proof: Expected premium due to 2,000 mintage
Sources
- The South African Mint. "Big 5 Series III: Elephant" (Oct 2024)
- EMK. "1 oz Silver Coin - Big Five III - Elephant - 2024"
- EMK. "Big Five - Buffalo - 1 Oz Gold" (2021)
- Greysheet. "South Africa: Third Series Of Popular Big Five Debuts With Majestic African Elephant" (Oct 2024)
- JM Bullion. "2024 1 oz South African Big Five Series III Elephant Silver Coin"
- EMK. "Elephant - Set - Big Five III" (Double Capsule Set)
- MDM. "Südafrika 2025 Big Five Serie III Rhino 1/4 Unze Gold"
- AuPortal. "Stříbrná mince Big Five III - Rhino 1 Oz 2025"