Gold Ounce 2017 Springbok, Coin from South Africa - detailed information

South Africa pioneered modern bullion coinage when it first issued the Krugerrand on 3 July 1967 to help market South African gold; it is the first modern bullion coin and is still issued today.

Gradually, the South African Mint started diversifying the range, first by issuing fractional Krugerrands, then by introducing different designs to the gold one-ounce (1 oz) format. These include the Protea series, the Natura series, as well as one-year types that do not fall into a particular series. The Kruggerands retained their specifications (22-carat gold) while other coins issued after 1994 are 99.99% gold; just as the Krugerrand though, they contain exactly one ounce of pure gold or 1oz Absolute Gold Weight (1.000 oz AGW).

This coin features a Springbok - South Africa's national animal - and is part of the Natura coin series by the South African Mint, which celebrates Africa’s unique natural heritage.

The pure-gold Natura series, having ended the "Noctrurnal Hunters" theme in 2016, honours the golden jubilee of the Krugerrand with original springbok designs created by South African sculptor Coert Steynberg (7 January 1905 - 28 July 1982) in 1946/47. Steynberg’s springbok designs were used for the final - and current - design we have come to associate with the springbok.

The reverses of the 2017 Natura coins bear conceptual drawings which were originally submitted for the 5 shilling coin from 1947, over five coins. The Springbok is depicted in various states of motion, while a pair of springboks are depicted on the ½ oz coin. All coins are in Proof FDC grade.

The Natura, traditionally a series of four gold coins, for the first time in 2017 boasts a new size in the form of the 1/20 oz coin.