Silver Ounce 2023 Big Five - Buffalo, 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. Initially they were made of Sterling silver (92.5%), but this later changed to 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).

This coin is part of the Big Five II coin series 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.

The coins in the series were issued every 6 months, starting with the Elephant and the Lion in 2019, then the Rhino and Leopard in 2020. The Buffalo is the fifth of the ferocious five to be featured in this series - originally in 2021, then re-issued in 2023 with a new design of the obverse, as part of Big Five Series II.

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).