Gold Quarter Ounce 2023 Big Five - Bufallo, 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 quarter-ounce (1/4 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 quarter-Krugerrands retain their specifications (22-carat gold) while the other coin series issued after 1994 are 99.99% gold; just as the quarter-Krugerrand though, they contain exactly a quarter ounce of pure gold or 1/4 oz Absolute Gold Weight (0.250 oz AGW).

This coin is part of The Big Five II series ("II" meaning second iteration) by the South African Mint, which celebrates Africa’s unique natural heritage by embodying the strength and beauty of the Big Five animals on legal tender coins.

African Buffalo are sociable animals with herds of up to several hundred individuals often observed. These herds might splinter into smaller units in times of drought. Primarily preyed upon by lions, when a herd member is attacked, other buffaloes will rush to its defence. Together a number of buffalo are more than capable to ward off an attack by an entire pride of lions. A wounded buffalo bull is regarded as most dangerous by hunters, which is one of the main reasons why this animal is included into the big five. This characteristic is the origin of many hunting adventures, myths and legends.

For the creation of this coin, the South African Mint credits: Paul Botes (die-sinker), JA Geldenhuys (artist) and RC Stone (designer).