Numismatics Big Five
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About the Big Five - the coins of the African Giants
The Big Five coins were first produced by the South African Mint in 2019 and have established themselves as another popular South African coin series alongside the Krugerrand. The Big Five gold and silver coins feature the five major game animals of the African savanna: elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino, and leopard. All of these animals are emblematic of African wildlife and are observed annually by many tourists on safari.
Design and minting of the Big Five
As mentioned earlier, the Big Five represent the five majestic animals of Africa. In keeping with the name, a new coin design is introduced every five years. For example, from 2022 to 2026, the elephant is the focus of the series in both gold and silver. Another special feature emerges when two Big Five coins are combined. When placed side by side, they form a complete close-up portrait of an elephant. If additional Big Five gold and silver coins are arranged in a row, a herd of elephants becomes visible. Following the years dedicated to the elephant, the lion, the rhinoceros, the leopard, and finally the buffalo will be featured as new designs at five-year intervals. The edge of the obverse features the country of origin “SOUTH AFRICA,” the series name “Big Five,” and the year of issue.
The reverse features two of the majestic animals (one on the left and one on the right). Between the animals is the coin’s face value, weight, and fineness.
Feedback from our customers
Frequently asked questions about the Big Five
The Big Five gold coin boasts a fineness of 999.9, while the silver version features a fineness of 999. Rigorous quality controls by the South African Mint ensure that every coin meets the highest standards. When you purchase a Big Five coin, you’ll also receive a numbered certificate of authenticity. Some of the versions are struck on proof-quality blanks. This is one of the most elaborate manufacturing processes and underscores the coin’s quality.
Thanks to their exclusive and ever-changing designs, as well as the unique details that emerge when multiple coins are combined, the Big Five coins offer not only the potential for appreciation in value but also unique collector’s value. Each coin is limited to a specific worldwide mintage, which further highlights its uniqueness, in addition to its cultural value.
Collectors of the Big Five gold or silver coins appreciate not only the coins’ beauty but also their rarity. Thanks to ongoing design updates and limited mintage, these coins have become particularly rare, with high potential for appreciation in value. In addition, they are available in various denominations, such as 1 oz or 1/4 oz. This makes them the perfect investment option for both newcomers to numismatics and experts alike.
To preserve the beauty and value of each Big Five coin, proper care and storage are very important. We therefore recommend keeping them in the enclosed original coin case or on the blister card. If you are looking for alternative storage options, such as coin capsules, we encourage you to browse our selection of accessories. There you will find various storage options. You should choose a dry location with a stable temperature, away from direct sunlight or moisture, to minimize the risk of discoloration. If you want to keep your collectible safe, we recommend our precious metals deposit.
Be sure to purchase your Big Five coin from a trusted and certified dealer. Good customer service and expert advice are essential to help you make the right decision and choose a high-quality product. That’s why at philoro, we offer personalized, discreet, and no-obligation advice in our stores. Do you have important questions but don’t want to make a special trip to our store? Of course, we’re also here to help you over the phone.
At philoro Austria, we offer a wide selection of various gold and silver numismatic coins—such as the Big Five—in the highest quality, in a variety of designs, and at fair prices. In addition to numismatics, we also advise you on other investment products, such as gold and silver coins, or assist you with the sale of your items. Let us advise you on the Big Five coin and Africa’s fascinating wildlife, and enjoy the unforgettable shopping experience at philoro.