Big Five III (2.) - Lion - 2025
1 Oz Gold - Proof

• 2nd Issue in the new Big Five III Series
• 1 Ounce 99.99% pure Gold
• Mintage only 500 pieces worldwide
• With numbered Certificate of Authenticity
• Delivery in original wooden Box

The South African Mint presents the new Big Five III Series and is continuing the success story of a coveted classic. The South African Mint's Big Five coins are among the most sought-after issues in the world. The Series also contains five coins and shows the impressive wildlife of South Africa. The animals known as the “Big Five” - elephant - lion - buffalo - rhinoceros - leopard - are regarded as emblems and ambassadors of this culturally rich country and represent the African fauna.

The second issue of the new series is dedicated to the lion. The motive of the coin struck from one ounce of 99.99% pure gold shows a full-body depiction of a full-grown lion standing on a rock, demonstrating its power and strength in a belligerent stance. The inscriptions “SOUTH AFRICA”, “BIG FIVE 2025” and the South African coat of arms are also part of the design. The reverse shows two halves of a lion's head. Placing two of these coins next to each other gives a full close-up portrait of a lion. When several of these coins are placed next to each other, an entire pack of lions appears. In the center are the denomination “FIFTY RAND”, the weight “1OZ” and the fineness “Au 999.9”. A special feature is the filigree engraving of a Cape honey bee (Apis mellifera capensis), which points to the importance of integrated ecology. These bees are native to the Eastern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa and are essential for the pollination of flowers in the Cape region.

The African lion (Panthera leo) is the largest and most important land predator in Africa. Due to his enormous strength and graceful appearance, the lion is generally considered the "king of animals" - a term that originates from old fairy tales and fables. Since then, the feline predator has been a symbol of power and dominance and has adorned countless coats of arms and flags up to this very day. The impressive roar of the lion can be heard up to 8 kilometers away and is used for communication within the pack members. In the wild, the lion can live up to 20 years - but to this day, the threat from poachers remains great. The limited Big Five III Lion gold coin in proof quality is limited to only 500 pieces worldwide and will be delivered in the original wooden box including a numbered certificate of authenticity from the South African Mint.