South Africa – Krugerrand – 2017 – 1/20 oz Gold Proof – 50th Anniversary

To mark the 50th anniversary of the Krugerrand in 2017, the South African Mint expanded its long-established gold coin series with several exceptional editions. Among the new releases was the 1/20 oz Gold Proof Krugerrand , a previously unavailable denomination with a diameter of just 12 mm.

The anniversary edition combines the classic look of the Krugerrand with a special privy mark commemorating the introduction of the South African gold coin in 1967.

50 Years of the Krugerrand – A New Denomination for the Anniversary

Since its initial issue on July 3, 1967, the Krugerrand has been one of the most internationally renowned gold coins. Originally issued exclusively as a 1 oz gold coin, the series was expanded in 1980 to include denominations of 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz.

It wasn’t until the 50th anniversary in 2017 that two further small gold denominations were added: 1/20 oz and 1/50 oz.

The 1/20 oz edition was distinguished by its compact size and detailed proof design. Despite its small diameter of only 12 mm, the traditional Krugerrand motifs were fully incorporated.

Paul Kruger, Springbok and the Jubilee Sign

The front side features the well-known portrait of Paul Kruger, the former president of the South African Republic. The design, created by Otto Schultz, is surrounded by the bilingual country name “SUID-AFRIKA · SOUTH AFRICA”.

The reverse side features the traditional springbok design by Coert Steynberg. Besides the KRUGERRAND logo and the split year 2017, the special 50th anniversary mark is located above the animal.

This privy mark identifies the gold coin as an issue of the historic anniversary year.

22 karat gold in high-quality proof grade

The 2017 Krugerrand in 1/20 oz Gold Proof is made of the classic Krugerrand alloy with a gold content of 916.7/1000 (22 carats). The coin contains approximately 1.555 grams of pure gold, with a total weight of about 1.696 grams.

The proof version with mirrored fields and matte motif areas emphasizes the fine details of the coin image.

Declared mintage of 3,525 pieces

The original maximum mintage of the 1/20 oz gold proof issue was set by the South African Mint at 12,000 pieces.

However, in its official mintage figures overview, the mint lists a declared mintage of only 3,525 pieces . This figure is significantly below the originally planned maximum.

The combination of the 2017 anniversary year, the newly introduced denomination, the special privy mark and the comparatively low declared mintage makes this gold coin an interesting addition to specialized Krugerrand collections.

Further information on the individual years and mintage figures can be found in our overview of Krugerrand mintage figures .