South Africa Natura – the fascinating gold coin series with changing motifs

Since 1994, the Natura series has been one of South Africa’s most important collector coin series. The annually changing motifs reflect the diversity of African wildlife, as well as the scientific exploration of the continent’s natural history. Until 2017, the focus was on contemporary animal motifs. Starting in 2018, a reorientation followed, focusing on prehistoric themes.

The Natura series was minted exclusively in round shapes and impresses with its high minting quality, small mintage, and detailed design. Many issues are now difficult to find in the highest grades, making them sought-after collector’s items.

Annual overview of the Natura series (1994–2019)

Year Motif (1oz Edition) Theme Series
1994 Lion Big Five
1995 Rhino Big Five
1996 Elephant Big Five
1997 Buffalo Big Five
1998 Leopard Big Five
1999 Kudu Monarchs of Africa
2000 Sable Antelope Monarchs of Africa
2001 Oryx Monarchs of Africa
2002 Cheetah Wild Cats of Africa
2003 Lion Wild Cats of Africa
2004 Caracal Wild Cats of Africa
2005 Hippo Giants of Africa
2006 Giraffe Giants of Africa
2007 Eland Giants of Africa
2008 Elephant Giants of Africa
2009 White Rhino Safari through Africa
2010 Black Rhino Safari through Africa
2011 Meerkats Nature’s Families
2012 African Wild Dog Nature’s Families
2013 Zebra Nature’s Families
2014 Leopard Nature’s Families
2015 Black-backed Jackal Nocturnal Hunters
2016 Spotted Hyena Nocturnal Hunters
2017 Springbok (Coert Steynberg design) Heritage Series
2018 Coelophysis rhodesiensis Palaeontology – Rise of the Dinosaurs
2019 Australopithecus africanus Palaeontology – Hominids

Facts about the Natura series

  • Country of issue: South Africa
  • Minting quality: Proof
  • Formats: Round
  • Editions: Some less than 1,000 copies
  • Privy Mark: Almost every year there was a special Privy Mark dedicated to a particular theme.

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