3.2.Highlighting the design, value and rarity of certain coins in the Natura series
Natura series from the South African Mint
Since its founding in 1994, the South African Mint’s Natura series has been one of the highlights for coin collectors and lovers of exquisite coinage. The gold coins in the series are characterized by their fine animal motif designs and high proof quality. The minting technique emphasizes the motifs on the coins, making them true works of art. The combination of the finest gold, excellent embossing technology and the symbolic animal motifs makes the Natura series a real rarity in the world of coins.
Natura Gold Prestige and Proof Sets
The Natura Gold Prestige and Proof sets are a special highlight of the series and have been issued since 1994. These are gold coins in proof quality using a special minting technique with animal motifs. The Natura sets consist of four coins of different weight classes (1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz gold) and are delivered in an attractive wooden or leather box. From 1995, the sets also come with a certificate from the South African Mint.
Natura Gold Prestige and embossing sets
The South African Mint has been minting the coveted Natura gold coins since 1994. These impress with their high proof quality and their detailed embossing technology, which highlights various animal motifs on the coins. The Natura sets are available as a 4-coin set in the weight classes 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz gold. They are delivered in an elegant wooden or leather box. From 1995 onwards, the sets also come with a certificate of authenticity from the South African Mint.
Selected examples of Natura Gold prestige and embossing sets:
- Natura – Big Five – Lion – 1994 – 1 oz Gold Proof – Edition: 2902
- Natura Prestige Set of 4 Elephant 1996 Gold SA Mint South Africa – Number of sets: 368
- Natura – Big Five – Elephant – 1996 – 1 oz Gold Proof – Edition: 4472
- Natura Prestige 4-coin set Buffalo 1997 Sabi-Sabi – Number of sets: 80
- Natura – Big Five – Buffalo – 1997 – 1 oz Gold Proof – Case – COA – Edition: 957
- Natura Prestige Set of 4 Leopard 1998 Gold Proof South Africa – Number of sets: 500
- Natura – Big Five – Leopard – 1998 – 1 oz Gold Proof – Edition: 2645
- Natura – Big Five – Leopard – 1998 – Londo Lozi Special Edition – 1 oz Gold Proof – Mintage: 300
- Natura – Kudu Antelope – 1999 – Monarchs of Africa Series – 1 oz Gold Proof – Mintage: 590
- Natura Millennium Set of 3 1999-2001 Monarchs of Africa – Number of sets: 200
- Natura – Sable Antelope – 2000 – Monarchs of Africa Series – 1 oz Gold Proof – Edition: 687
- Natura Certified 4 Coin Set Giraffe 2006 Gold SA Mint South Africa – Number of Sets: 300
- Natura 2007 Launch Set The Eland Mintmark PP Gold Giants of Africa – Edition: 300 (probably only 250 copies officially put on sale)
- Natura Series – 2017 – Springbok 5 Gold Coin Set Proof NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo – Mintage: 800
Big Five Series
The Big Five series, issued between 1994 and 1998, forms an outstanding part of the Natura series. It includes the five famous Big Five animals – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros – which were immortalized on the coins. Each coin is a tribute to the majestic wildlife of Africa.
The artistically designed motifs, the high-quality proof and the limited edition give the coins in the Natura series enormous value. This is particularly clear in the special sets such as the Prestige 4-coin set Elephant from 1996 or the Certified 4-coin set Giraffe from 2006, each of which was issued in a limited edition. The coins are not only a sought-after collector’s item, but also an investment in precious metals that can retain or even increase their value over the years.
The rarity of some coins, such as the Natura – Big Five – Lion from 1994 with a mintage of only 2902 pieces or the Natura – Sable Antelope from 2000 with a mintage of 687 pieces, makes them real treasures for collectors . These limited editions underline the exclusive character of the Natura series and contribute to making them something very special in the world of coins.
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