South Africa. The Big Five Series III Continues with Gold and Silver Coins Featuring the Majestic Lion

First launched in 2019, the proof and bullion series sought to imaginatively showcase the country’s wildlife that includes the Elephant, Lion, Rhinoceros, Leopard and Cape Buffalo – otherwise known colloquially as ‘The Big Five’. This term was once a reference to safaris and hunting the largest animals on the plains and savannahs. Today, along with wildlife conservation and societal changes to hunting for sport, the only thing aimed at these beautiful creatures while on safari is the lens a camera. 

For 2025 and in contrast to the previous designs featured on the Big Five series I and II which both featured a close up profile from various angles, an entirely different approach of the animals for series III has been adopted. The original series included a clever dual-portrait concept of depicting South Africa’s wildlife ambassadors of this culturally rich country which was featured on the reverse. The second design showcases the lion, considered the King of the Jungle due to the fact lions have no natural predator. The lion is universally known for its indomitable spirit, symbolising royalty and strength in some African cultures, while the lioness represents femininity and motherhood. The lion is both the largest and most important land predator in Africa.

Designed by South African Mint artisans JA Geldenhuys (artist) and Richard Stone (designer), the obverse included on both gold and silver strikes features a dramatic realistic depiction of a roaring lion standing in a belligerent stance on a rock, his left paw upraised and body turned left but facing right. Below the primary design and along the lower rim is the text SOUTH AFRICA and BIG FIVE 2025. In between the text is the South African crest. The reverse of the coin features two halves of the face of the lion - when two coins are placed next to each other, a complete close-up image of the face is shown. In the centre of the two halves of the lion’s face is a circle containing the text FIFTY RAND (gold) or FIVE RAND (silver) along with the coin’s weight 1 OZ and fineness Au 999.9 or Ag 999. A special feature for this coin is the addition of a Cape honey bee (Apis mellifera capensis), which points to the importance of integrated ecology. The honey bee is seen on the right half of the lion’s face and just near his right eye.

The five Rand BU silver options are encapsulated and presented in a tri-folder with informative text and illustrations. *The silver proof strikes are available only in a double coin presentation which includes either two lion coins or a silver Krugerrand presented in a gloss-polished walnut wood bark box. The single proof quality coins are encapsulated and presented in a hardwood case – the two coin set is also specially encapsulated to highlight the reverse side design and presented in a custom case to accommodate the capsule. All versions are accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. Collectors / investors resident in South Africa can visit the website of the South African Mint. Collectors / investors outside South Africa are advised to inquire with their local distributor / bullion dealer.

The Big 5 series launched with the release of the Elephant in August 2024. The series will continue with the third coin design featuring the rhinoceros in August 2025, the fourth coin featuring the leopard in February 2026 and concluding with the Cape buffalo in August 2026.