Silver Two Ounces 2016 Octopus, Coin from South Africa - detailed information

Silver Two Ounces 2016 Octopus, Coin from South Africa
CoinSilver Two Ounces 2016 Octopus

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 two-ounce (2 oz) format. These include silver 2 oz Krugerrands, 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%), and some are 99.9% silver; the Sterling versions are overall heavier though, so they also contain exactly two ounces of pure silver or 2oz Absolute Silver Weight (2.000 oz ASW).

This coin featuring a Common Octopus is part of the 2016 Marine Protected Areas coin series by the South African Mint, consisting of four sterling-silver bullion coins of different sizes, with composition of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper.

South Africa has an intricate network of marine protected areas (MPAs), designed to conserve the country’s offshore biodiversity. To this end, the South African Mint created the Marine Protected Areas collectable coin series in 2013.

The 2016 collection celebrates the beauty and diversity of the MPA within the South-Western Cape Bioregion (West Coast Bioregion) by showcasing its most iconic species.

The 50c (2 oz) coin portrays the eight-tentacled master of camouflage: the common octopus. These territorial cephalopods make their home in crevices among the rocky formations of shallow coastal waters. Here they prey on crabs, rock lobsters, and shellfish.

The iconic great white shark propels itself out of the water on the 20c (1 oz) coin. The endangered African penguin is portrayed on the 10c (half-ounce) coin, and the West Coast rock lobster is featured on the 5c (quarter-ounce) coin.

MintSouth African Mint Mint MarkNo mint mark Total Mintage unknown
Obverse
South Africa / Silver Two Ounces 2016 Octopus - obverse photo

The obverse shows the Coat of Arms of South Africa at centre; around above that, the legend SOUTH AFRICA in English.

Around below, the date of issue 2016.

The designer's initials ALS (for Arthur L. Sutherland) are to the left of the Coat of Arms.

Obverse Inscription SOUTH AFRICA 2016
Reverse
South Africa / Silver Two Ounces 2016 Octopus - reverse photo

The reverse of the two-ounce silver coin features a common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) in the sea.

Around above, the inscription COMMON OCTOPUS. Below the octopus, the face value and denomination 50c (Fifty Cents).

In the lower left field, the initials of the reverse die-sinker, VLC (for VL Chipa); the reverse artist is L Guerra.

Reverse Inscription 50c COMMON OCTOPUS
EdgeMilledEdge InscriptionNone
Notes

The coins were issued individually (SA Mint Part-No SIL-PC-MPA5016, mintage limited to 1,000, issue price R 1,700), and in a four-coin set.

Included in Set
South Africa's Marine Protected Areas Prestige Set 2016, mintage unknown, limited to 700
4 coins: 2 oz Silver - Octopus, 1 oz Silver - Great White Shark, 1/2 oz Silver - African Penguin, 1/4 oz Silver - Rock Lobster
Silver Two Ounces 2016 Octopus: References to Information Used
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Silver Two Ounces 2016 Octopus: Details
CountrySouth Africa
CurrencyRand
Coin TypeSilver Two Ounces (2 oz)
Issued2016
SymbolCoat of Arms of South Africa
Face Value2 (x Rand)
Total Mintageunknown
CurrentYes
Material0.925 Silver
DesignerL Guerra
TechnologyMilled (machine-made)
ShapeRound
OrientationMedal Alignment (Axis 0)
Size50.0000 mm
Mass67.2520 g
OCC IDWMRA-EQPC-XVRX-OYPL
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Silver Two Ounces 2016 Octopus: Photos
ImageDetails
Silver Two Ounces 2016 Octopus: Photo 2oz Silver - Octopus / thumbnail 2oz Silver - Octopus
Copyright: South African Mint
Source
Silver Two Ounces 2016 Octopus: Photo 2oz Silver - Octopus / thumbnail 2oz Silver - Octopus
Copyright: South African Mint
Source