The Natura series from South Africa is among the most aesthetically pleasing programs in modern numismatics. Since 1994, it has captivated collectors worldwide with annually changing motifs of African wildlife. But what makes these coins so valuable besides their high gold content? We highlight the series’ key pieces, the significance of the limited editions, and the specific criteria that make a Natura coin a worthwhile investment.
1. Overview: Natura Gold Coins from South Africa
The Natura series was launched in 1994 as the South African Mint’s first 24-karat gold coin series, featuring animal motifs and organized thematically into multi-year cycles. The most important series are:
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Big Five (1994–1998)
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Monarchs of Africa (1999–2001)
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Wildcats of Africa (2002–2004)
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Giants of Africa (2005–2008)
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Safari through Africa (2009–2010)
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Nature’s Families (2011–2013)
The standard sizes are 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz of fine gold with a purity of 999.9 and face values of 100, 50, 20 and 10 Rand. This results in clearly defined collecting units that can be very well structured according to motif, year or denomination.
In addition, many designs appear both as individual coins and in prestige sets (4-coin sets with all denominations) and in particularly limited launch or exclusive sets , for example with additional medals or figures.
2. What makes Natura gold coins so special
Several characteristics make Natura gold coins from South Africa a unique collector’s field and clearly distinguish them from classic investment coins such as the Krugerrand:
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Pure fine gold in proof quality
Most Natura editions are crafted in 999.9 gold and feature elaborate proof striking. Reflective fields and finely matte reliefs ensure that animal motifs and details stand out impressively. -
Clearly defined thematic series
Series like Big Five, Giants of Africa, or Safari through Africa allow collections to be planned thematically from the outset. This creates a common thread, which is more important to many collectors than the sheer quantity of gold. -
Limited editions
Numerous Natura issues have print runs in the low four figures, and some even in the three figures . For example, the Natura Buffalo was issued in 1997 in the 1 oz version only 957 times, while the Londo-Lozi special edition of the Leopard in 1998 was limited to 300 pieces. -
Certified top quality
Many items at Wasserthal RareCoin.Store are certified by NGC or PCGS with high grades such as PF69 or PF70 Ultra/Deep Cameo. This provides collectors with an internationally verifiable basis for quality and authenticity, which is particularly crucial in the high-price segment. -
Tax treatment in Germany
Natura gold coins are considered investment gold with a face value and are generally exempt from VAT in Germany. This makes them even more attractive for long-term collectors and investors.
3. Big Five: The origin of the Natura series in Wasserthal RareCoin.Store
The Big Five series (1994–1998) forms the foundation of the Natura series. It focuses on the lion, rhinoceros, elephant, buffalo, and leopard and is the logical starting point for many collectors.
3.1 Leo 1994 – the beginning of the series
The Natura Lion 1994 – 1 oz Gold Proof is the first issue in the series and therefore of particular historical significance. With a mintage of 2,902 pieces in the 1 oz version, the Lion is one of the classic cornerstones of any Natura collection.
3.2 Rhinoceros 1995, Elephant 1996 and Buffalo 1997
In the following years, the rhinoceros was released in 1995 , the elephant in 1996 , and the buffalo in 1997. The 1-oz buffalo coin, in particular, is very rare in its single-coin version, with only 957 pieces minted, and is now one of the most sought-after Big Five coins on the market.
Wasserthal RareCoin.Store carries several of these Big Five issues as individual coins in proof quality, some with original cases and COAs, and some in high grades. This allows you to build complete Big Five collections or to selectively highlight individual animal motifs.
3.3 Leopard 1998 and Londo-Lozi Special Edition
The Leopard 1998 completes the Big Five series. The regular 1-oz issue has a mintage of 2,645 pieces, making it noticeably rarer than many modern bullion issues. Even more exclusive is the 1998 Londo-Lozi special edition, with only 300 coins struck, aimed at particularly discerning collectors.
4. Giants of Africa: Giraffe and other “giants”
Following the big cats and antelopes of the earlier series, the series Giants of Africa (2005–2008) focuses on the large herbivores of Africa, including hippopotamus, giraffe, eland and elephant.
4.1 Giraffe 2006 – 50 Rand, 1/2 oz Gold Proof
A key focus of Wasserthal RareCoin.Store’s product range is the Natura Giraffe 2006 – 50 Rand – 1/2 oz Gold Proof . This issue combines several factors relevant to collectors:
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1/2 oz fine gold with a purity of 999.9
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50 Rand nominal value
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Finely detailed depiction of the giraffe in proof design
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Limited edition of only 1,997 copies worldwide
The existing examples are additionally certified by PCGS with PR69 Deep Cameo , thus combining low mintage, high-quality striking, and near-perfect condition. Such pieces are ideally suited as a centerpiece within a Giants of Africa collection.
4.2 Other Giants of Africa and Safari motifs in the product range
In addition to the giraffe, Wasserthal RareCoin.Store regularly offers other motifs from the Giants of Africa and Safari through Africa series, such as:
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Natura Elefant 2008 – 100 Rand – 1 oz Gold Proof , some with privy mark “SAM”
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Natura White Rhino 2009 – 50 Rand – 1 oz or 1/2 oz Gold Proof
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Natura Black Rhinoceros 2010 – 50 Rand – Gold Proof – NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo
The two rhino motifs from the safari years 2009 and 2010, in particular, are often deliberately collected as a thematic pair because of their distinctive design, low print runs, and strong symbolism.
5th Natura Springbok 2017 – Tradition and Anniversary
Another important focus in the product range is the Natura Springbok series 2017. These editions were designed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Krugerrand and revive historical Springbok designs by Coert Steynberg.
Wasserthal RareCoin.Store offers various options here, including:
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Natura Springbok 2017 – 1/10 oz Proof Gold with Box and Certificate
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Natura Springbok 2017 – 1/2 oz – 50 Rand – Gold Proof – NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo
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Natura Springbok 2017 – 5-Gold Coin Set with all denominations in consistently high proof quality
These pieces combine the aesthetics of traditional Springbok motifs with the collector’s logic of the Natura series. Furthermore, the various denominations offer highly flexible combination possibilities, allowing for the creation of both smaller and very extensive Springbok collections.
6. Nature’s Families 2011-2013: Meerkat and Zebra
The Nature’s Families series follows chronologically from the Safari issues within the Natura series and focuses on African animal families. It thus combines the typical nature and wildlife motifs of the South African Mint with a series concept specifically geared towards collectors.
Currently, Wasserthal RareCoin.Store offers two complete Prestige sets from this period: the South Africa 2011 Natura Prestige Set Meerkat and the South Africa 2013 Natura Prestige Set Zebra . Both sets were struck in proof quality , each consisting of four gold coins totaling 1.85 oz of gold , and come with their original boxes and Certificates of Authenticity.
This completeness is a crucial factor for modern proof gold coins. Besides the gold content, Natura sets also consider the design, series affiliation, minting quality, mintage, condition, and original packaging. The Meerkat and Zebra coins clearly demonstrate why the Natura series should be viewed not only as a gold investment but primarily as a modern South African collector’s series.
7. Who are Natura gold coins from South Africa suitable for?
Natura gold coins from South Africa appeal to several target groups at once:
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Systematic collectors
Those who wish to build complete series or series sections will find a clearly structured field with well-documented editions and motifs in series such as Big Five, Monarchs of Africa, Giants of Africa, Safari and others. -
Long-term oriented investors with a collector focus
Natura coins combine fine gold content with numismatic added value. Rare years, low mintages, and high grading levels, in particular, create an additional value component compared to pure bullion products. -
Specialized motif collectors
Collectors who focus on individual animal species such as lion, giraffe, leopard or rhinoceros can use Natura editions to focus very deeply on one species thematically and at the same time compare different series years. -
Country collector South Africa
In combination with Krugerrand, Big Five Bullion and Protea, Natura gold coins create a very well-rounded picture of modern South African numismatics.
8. What should collectors pay attention to when buying Natura gold coins?
To ensure that Natura gold coins retain their special status in the collection in the long term, it is recommended to pay particular attention to a few criteria:
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Check the variant and edition carefully.
Many designs exist as single coins, prestige sets, launch sets, or special editions with privy marks and accompanying items. The mintage can vary considerably depending on the variant, making careful identification essential. -
Certification and conservation status
High grading levels such as PF69 or PF70 Ultra/Deep Cameo from NGC or PCGS make the condition objectively verifiable. For rare issues, such as the 1997 Buffalo or the 2006 Giraffe, the price difference can be considerable. -
Original box and certificate
Especially with prestige and launch sets, a case and COA should be included. This not only increases the perceived value of the collection but also simplifies later marketing. -
Keeping series logic in mind
It’s worthwhile to decide from the outset whether the focus should be on the Big Five, Giants of Africa, safaris, or specific vintages. This creates a clear collecting strategy that can be meaningfully expanded over time.
9. Frequently Asked Questions about Natura Gold Coins from South Africa
What are Natura gold coins from South Africa?
Natura gold coins are collector gold coins issued by the South African Mint since 1994. They are made of pure gold, are predominantly minted in proof quality, and feature annually changing animal motifs in thematically organized series such as Big Five, Monarchs of Africa, or Giants of Africa.
How do Natura gold coins differ from Krugerrand gold coins?
The Krugerrand was originally designed as a classic investment coin, while Natura gold coins were specifically developed as a collector’s series. Natura issues feature clearly defined annual designs, low mintages, and a strong collector focus with proof coins and prestige sets.
Are Natura gold coins a good long-term investment?
Natura gold coins combine the intrinsic value of gold with a pronounced numismatic component. Limited mintages, sought-after animal motifs, high grading levels, and consistent international demand create additional value potential compared to standard bullion, especially for top-quality coins in PF69 or PF70.
Which Natura issues are particularly sought after?
Early Big Five issues such as the 1994 Lion, 1995 Rhino, 1996 Elephant, 1997 Buffalo, and 1998 Leopard are particularly sought after, along with special editions like the Londo Lozi variant of the Leopard. Giants of Africa motifs such as the 2006 Giraffe and Safari issues like the 2009 and 2010 White and Black Rhino are also in high demand, especially in excellent proof condition and with certification.
10. 5 tips for collectors of Natura gold coins:
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Focus on prestige sets: Sets in original packaging often fetch higher prices than individual coins.
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Comparing minting years: Certain years (like the early 90s) have very low mintages and are rarer.
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Check the certification: Pay attention to the condition (proof/polished plate). Certification by NGC or PCGS can significantly increase the resale value.
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Thematic continuity: Collectors often pay premiums for coins that complete a particular sub-series (e.g., “Wild Cats of Africa”).
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Professional expertise: Use expert advice to rule out counterfeits and determine the fair market value of rare Natura vintages.
11. About Wasserthal RareCoin.Store
Wasserthal RareCoin.Store specializes in rare, certified gold coins, primarily from South Africa. A significant portion of their inventory consists of South African natural gold coins , Big Five gold coins, Krugerrand Proof issues, and other high-quality collector coins. The selection is specifically geared towards experienced collectors seeking low mintages, exceptional minting quality, and professionally authenticated pieces.
Each Natura coin is described in detail and, where available, includes certification data from NGC or PCGS . This allows collectors to structure their holdings according to both numismatic criteria and quality grades, building a long-term portfolio that possesses an independent collector’s and enthusiast value beyond its pure metal value.
Author’s Box
About the expert: Larissa Wasserthal
This article was compiled by Larissa Wasserthal. As an expert in South African numismatics on the RareCoin team, her focus is on market analysis of rare precious metal series. Her goal is to provide collectors with the necessary know-how to fully exploit the value potential of the Natura series. You can learn more about her work here: Larissa Wasserthal at RareCoin .
Note: This article was updated for you by our expert author Larissa Wasserthal in April 2026. It offers valuable insights into the South African Natura series and helps you better understand the special features of these nature-inspired gold coins.
