Buy Big Five gold coins – rare proof issues

Big Five Goldmünzen der South African Mint mit Elefant Löwe und Nashorn
The Big Five – lion, elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo and leopard – as a symbol of South African wildlife and numismatics

The South African Mint’s Big Five gold coins combine South Africa’s most famous wild animals with modern minting techniques, a high-quality proof finish, and sometimes very limited mintages. Elephant, lion, rhinoceros, leopard, and buffalo have been released since 2019 in several series, weights, and exclusive collector sets.

At Wasserthal RareCoin.Store you will find selected Big Five gold coins from Series I, II and III. Depending on current stock, the selection includes individual proof coins, NGC and PCGS certified specimens, PF70 issues, double sets and combinations with a Krugerrand with matching privy mark.

Big Five gold coins on offer

The following Big Five gold coins are currently available. The respective product description contains all important information regarding year, series, design, weight, fineness, mintage, minting quality, certification, and scope of delivery.

What are the Big Five gold coins?

The South African Mint launched the Big Five program in 2019. The series is dedicated to the five most famous large animals of South Africa:

  • Elephant
  • Lion
  • Rhino
  • leopard
  • Buffalo

The gold coins are minted in proof quality from 999.9 fine gold. The design of the reverse is particularly distinctive, depicting two halves of the respective animal’s face. When two coins are placed side by side, they form a complete portrait. This allows several coins to be combined to create a continuous display.

This is what distinguishes the Big Five gold coins significantly from classic investment coins. Besides the gold content, the collector market is primarily determined by factors such as mintage, series, condition, certification, original accessories, and current availability.

Big Five Series I, II and III

Big Five Series I – 2019 to 2021

The first series began in 2019 with the elephant. This was followed by the lion, rhinoceros, leopard, and finally the buffalo. The front shows the respective animal with part of its body, while the back features the split animal portrait.

The 1-oz gold proof coins were issued in a limited edition of only 500 pieces each. Platinum and silver versions were also released, as well as select combinations with the Krugerrand.

Big Five Series II – 2021 to 2023

The second series adopted the basic concept but featured redesigned animal portraits. The front now dominated with a closer close-up of the respective animal. The characteristic split design on the back remained unchanged.

With Series II, the South African Mint expanded its program to include additional gold formats. These include 1/4-oz gold coins, double sets with two 1/4-oz coins, and limited-edition combinations of a Big Five gold coin and a Krugerrand with a matching privy mark.

Big Five Series III – since 2024

Series III began in 2024 with the elephant and continues the motifs in a revised design. The lion and the rhinoceros appeared in 2025. The leopard followed in 2026. The buffalo will complete the third series.

In addition to the well-known 1-oz and 1/4-oz proof issues, Series III also includes particularly rare large formats and combinations with the Krugerrand.

Editions and gold formats

The exact print run depends on the series, motif, year, and format. Typical variations include:

  • 1 oz Gold Proof made of 999.9 fine gold
  • 1/4 oz Gold Proof made of 999.9 fine gold
  • Double sets containing two 1/4 oz gold coins
  • Big Five and Krugerrand Proof combination sets
  • Rare 5-oz and 1-kg gold issues

The print run for regular 1-oz proof coins is often only 500 copies. Individual 1/4-oz proof coins were frequently limited to 2,000 copies. Some double sets, Krugerrand combinations, and large-format coins have significantly lower print runs.

Therefore, the specific edition is always the deciding factor. Wasserthal RareCoin.Store states the confirmed edition directly in the respective product description.

Which Big Five gold coins are particularly worth collecting?

Complete sets with original box and certificate, as well as coins in exceptionally high condition, are particularly sought after. These include, in particular:

  • NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo
  • PCGS PR70 Deep Cameo
  • Top population spending
  • First Day of Issue and First Releases
  • Hand-signed NGC labels
  • Krugerrand combination sets with privy mark
  • Complete series and prestige sets
  • Rare 5-oz and 1-kg gold issues

However, a high rating alone does not guarantee a specific performance. Market assessment also depends on factors such as print run, population figures, international demand, scope of delivery, and actual market availability.

Big Five and Natura are different series.

The Big Five gold coins should not be confused with the older Natura series. Although numerous Natura gold coins also depict elephant, lion, rhinoceros, leopard, and buffalo, it is a separate coin program with different designs, years, and issue formats.

The Natura series began in 1994 and can be considered an important numismatic precursor to modern South African animal coins. You can learn more about this series in the article “South African Mint Natura Coins and Prestige Sets” .

Buy Big Five gold coins at Wasserthal RareCoin.Store

Wasserthal RareCoin.Store specializes in rare modern gold coins and high-quality South African collector issues. As an official partner of the South African Mint and an authorized dealer of NGC, PCGS, and CAC, we offer access to issues that are often difficult to obtain internationally.

For every coin offered, you will receive transparent information about:

  • Authenticity and certification
  • Edition and version
  • Weight and fineness
  • Conservation status and population
  • Original box and certificate
  • Fully insured international shipping

In addition, you will find other rare gold coins from South Africa as well as selected Krugerrand gold coins and proof issues with us.

Frequently Asked Questions about Big Five Gold Coins

Are the Big Five gold coins investment coins?

The Big Five gold coins contain high-quality fine gold, but were primarily issued as limited-edition collector coins in proof quality. Their market price can therefore be significantly higher than the pure gold value.

How many Big Five series are there?

Three series were launched by June 2026. Series I ran from 2019 to 2021, Series II from 2021 to 2023, and Series III has been running since 2024.

What is the mintage of a Big Five gold coin?

Many 1-oz proof prints are limited to 500 copies. 1/4-oz proof prints often have a print run of 2,000 copies. Special formats and sets may have considerably lower print runs.

Why does the back consist of two animal halves?

The reverse sides were designed so that two coins placed side by side form a complete animal face. This concept is one of the most important distinguishing features of the series.

Are certified Big Five gold coins more interesting?

NGC or PCGS certify authenticity and condition. PF70 and PR70 issues, in particular, can be of interest to collectors. However, mintage, population, and availability remain crucial factors.

Which Big Five gold coins can I currently buy?

All currently available issues are displayed in the product section at the top of this page. Coins that are no longer visible are currently sold out.

Further articles on the Big Five gold coins

Note for collectors: Many Big Five issues, especially rare PF70 proof coins, hand-signed issues, and limited Krugerrand combination sets, are difficult to obtain internationally. Wasserthal RareCoin.Store is one of the few specialized sources for these South African rarities.