Silver Ounce 2018 Heron, 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 and metals, such as a silver one-ounce (1 oz) format. These include silver 1 oz Krugerrands, the Protea series, the Natura series, as well as one-year types that do not fall into a particular series. Some are made of Sterling silver (92.5%) alloyed with copper, just like the British pre-decimal Crown coins, and some are 99.9% silver. The Sterling versions are overall heavier though, so they also contain exactly one ounce of pure silver or 1oz Absolute Silver Weight (1.000 oz ASW); they are called "Crowns" in the "Crown and Tickey" coin sets in which some of them are issued, and are officially denominated as two, five or ten Rands.

This coin, denominated as Ten Rands (R 10) is part of the third series of South African coloured coins by the South African Mint, which celebrates Africa’s unique natural heritage and depicts various colourful birds and plants. It features a white-backed night heron (Gorsachius leuconotus).

The 2018 colour coin range represents the beautiful fauna and flora of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, situated in the magnificent Waterberg district in Limpopo. As the name implies, The Waterberg serves as a water reservoir for this arid region.

There are four main river catchment areas which provide water to an area of over 40,000 km2. The Waterberg Biosphere Reserve is an area consisting of low mountain ranges and escarpments with poor soils and a relatively low level of economic activity. Habitats are sufficiently represented to ensure that the current high biodiversity is maintained and the low human density ensures large areas of unspoiled wilderness and open spaces are a main characteristic of this biosphere reserve.

The white-backed night heron (Gorsachius leuconotus) are nocturnal by nature and can be found living individually or in pairs. The most recognisable feature of the white-backed night heron is the pale bare skin, from white to pale yellow or green surrounding its large eyes.