As of July 2026 · Wasserthal RareCoin.Store
In short: The Coert Steynberg signature is the feature that makes the 2017 Natura “Coert Steynberg Springbok” a sought-after special edition. This 1-oz gold coin, struck from 999.9 fine gold by the South African Mint, honors the springbok design by South African sculptor Coert Steynberg (1905–1982). The engraved Coert Steynberg signature sits as a privy mark below the leaping springbok and distinguishes this variant from the regular Natura issue – it is not shown separately on the NGC label.
The coin at a glance
- Country: South Africa
- Year of issue: 2017
- Series: Natura
- Motif: Springbok (Design: Coert Steynberg)
- Nominal value: 100 Rand
- Material: 999.9/1000 gold
- Net weight: 1 oz (31.107 g)
- Diameter: 32.69 mm
- Minting quality: Proof
- Mint: South African Mint
- Special feature: Embossed Coert-Steynberg signature as a privy mark
- Reference: Numista N# 538375
Who was Coert Steynberg?
Coert Laubscher Steynberg (January 7, 1905 – July 28, 1982) was one of the most important South African sculptors and medalists of the 20th century. He worked in stone, marble, bronze, copper, and wood, and created, among other things, the Paul Kruger statue at the Kruger Gate of Kruger National Park and the monument to Andries Pretorius in Graaff-Reinet.
For coin collectors, however, another work is crucial: his springbok motif . Steynberg designed the poised antelope in the mid-1940s – and thus created one of the most famous coin motifs in the world.
From the 5-shilling coin to the Krugerrand: the story of the springbok
The Steynberg springbok made its first appearance in 1947 on a 5-shilling silver coin minted to commemorate the visit of British King George VI to South Africa. From there, the motif began its triumphant journey through South African coinage history.
- 5-shilling and 50-cent crowns (1947–1964)
- Gold ½ Pound and 1 Pound (1952–1960)
- Gold 1 Rand and 2 Rand (1961–1983)
- Krugerrand – from its first minting in 1967 to the present day
When the South African Mint introduced the Krugerrand in 1967, Steynberg’s springbok was already twenty years old. To this day, the same prancing antelope adorns the reverse of the world’s most famous gold bullion coin – a motif inextricably linked to Steynberg’s name.
Why the Natura series 2017 is reminiscent of Steynberg
In 2017, the Krugerrand celebrated its 50th anniversary (1967–2017). The South African Mint took this anniversary as an opportunity to pay tribute to the origins of the springbok motif in its all-gold Natura series. Instead of simply repeating the familiar Krugerrand reverse, the mint revisited Steynberg’s early design studies for the 5-shilling coin from 1946/47 .
These studies depict the springbok in various states of motion – a whole family of designs from which the later Krugerrand depiction was selected. The inscription “1947–2017” on the coin refers precisely to this period: from the birth of the motif to its 70th anniversary in the Krugerrand’s jubilee year.
For collectors, this means: The Natura Coert Steynberg Springbok is not merely an investment coin, but a numismatic monument to the origin of a world motif.
The Coert Steynberg signature: the crucial detail
The core of this special edition – and the reason why connoisseurs seek it out – is the embossed signature of Coert Steynberg , which sits as a privy mark below the leaping springbok.
This signature is the difference between the regular Natura release and the signature variant you are looking for. It’s important to know that the NGC label lists both versions under the same general name – “2017 Natura S. Africa G100R Springbok”. The signature is not mentioned separately on the certificate.
This has a practical consequence: Anyone who only looks at the label cannot reliably identify the variant. One must examine the coin itself and recognize the signature beneath the leaping springbok. This is precisely where the appeal lies – and a certain informational advantage for the attentive collector.
How to identify the signature variant
- Look at the reverse side: Look for the leaping springbok (not the resting image on the front).
- Check below the motif: There you will find the embossed lettering – the Steynberg signature.
- Transcription: The inscriptions “COERT STEYNBERG” and “1947–2017” accompany the motif.
- Don’t rely solely on the certificate: Since NGC does not specify the variant separately, looking at the coin itself is crucial.
Grading and rarity: What “PF70 Ultra Cameo” and “Top Pop” mean
Both specimens we carry have the highest possible NGC rating: PF70 Ultra Cameo .
- PF70 stands for a proof coin with no discernible flaws under the prescribed magnification – the perfect grade.
- Ultra Cameo describes the strongest contrast between the reflective fields and the matte motifs.
Furthermore, it has Top Pop status: Under the relevant NGC label, 158 examples in PF70 Ultra Cameo are currently listed; no higher-grade pieces exist. The Natura Coert Steynberg Springbok coin thus stands at the top of the known population – there is no better condition.
Those who wish to delve deeper into grading standards will find the basics in our overview Coin Grading Explained: PCGS, NGC, ANACS, CAC & SAGCE as well as specifically on NGC Grading and the concept of Top Pop coins .
Who is the Natura Coert Steynberg Springbock interesting for?
The Natura Coert Steynberg Springbock combines several collectable motifs in one piece:
- Krugerrand fans who want to own the roots of their favorite motif.
- South Africa and natural history collectors who are specifically looking for the signature variant.
- Investors in certified gold who want to combine 1 oz of fine gold with numismatic added value and top grade.
- Connoisseurs of artists’ signatures , for whom the embossed Steynberg signature represents an independent field of collecting.
A pair with consecutive certificate numbers
We currently have two examples of this special variant – with consecutive NGC certificate numbers :
- Natura Springbok Coert-Steynberg Privy – 1 oz Gold – NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo – 4603655-058
- Natura Coert Steynberg Springbok – 1 oz Gold – NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo – 4603655-059
Consecutive numbers from the same certification series are an additional incentive for collectors – for example, as a matching pair. Both pieces come from our stock of rare gold coins .
Frequently asked questions about Natura Coert Steynberg Springbock
What distinguishes the signature version from the regular Natura 2017? The special edition features an embossed Coert Steynberg signature as a privy mark below the leaping springbok. The regular edition does not have this signature.
Why isn’t the signature on the NGC label? NGC certifies both versions under the general designation “2017 Natura S. Africa G100R Springbok”. The signature is not mentioned separately and must be identified directly on the coin.
How much gold does the coin contain? It is made of 999.9 gold and contains 1 oz of fine gold (31.107 g) with a diameter of 32.69 mm.
Who designed the springbok? The South African sculptor Coert Steynberg (1905–1982). His springbok first appeared on a 5-shilling coin in 1947 and has adorned the Krugerrand since 1967.
What does “Top Pop” mean? This means that in the highest known condition (here PF70 Ultra Cameo), no better-graded example exists. The Natura Coert Steynberg Springbok coin is at the top of the NGC population.
Is the coin an investment coin or a collector’s coin? Both. It contains 1 oz of investment gold, but offers significant numismatic added value through its proof quality, top-pop status, and the historic Steynberg signature.
Would you like to delve deeper into South African collector coins? In our RareCoin Academy you will find further information on coins minted by the South African Mint.
Sources for coin and design history: South African Mint and publicly documented numismatic data on the Coert Steynberg and the Krugerrand Springbok. Population and certification according to the NGC Census (as of the respective product information).
About the author
Larissa Wasserthal is part of Wasserthal RareCoin.Store and specializes in rare precious metal coins, certified collectibles, and modern numismatics. Her focus is on coins minted by the South African Mint and certified Top Pop gold coins. For RareCoin.Store, she prepares background information on coin history, motifs, and grading standards, and assists collectors in classifying special issues.
Questions about this coin or the collection? Contact us – we’re happy to advise you.
