The South African Mint produces a series of "Natura" coins, starting in 1994, each of the four different sized coins bears a different attractive design based on the theme for that year. The first five years formed a series within the Natura series, known as the "Big Five".
Fine Gold The gold coins in the Natura series are struck in 24 carat gold, actually .9999, and are South Africa's first fine gold coins.
Description We can probably do no better than to quote the information on the certificate which accompanies the set:-
1997 Natura
The buffalo's appearance is solid and indestructible. They differ from domestic cattle with shorter legs and the huge blackish horns growing from a large, flattened, helmet-like plate covering and protecting the top of the head. Both sexes have horns.
Buffalo live mostly on grass and they like the lush, sweet growth in river valleys. In times of drought they will browse on leaves and twigs. The average lifespan of buffalo is 20 years.
They have one persistent enemy, the lion, which prey on the cows and calves. However, it is no unusual for lions to be killed, or severely injured, by the bulls when challenged.
Like so many seemingly dangerous animals, if undisturbed, buffalo are docile and harmless. If threatened or frightened, however, they can become fearsome adversaries, despite their relatively poor sight, which they make up for with excellent smell, hearing and cunning intelligence.
Beware of the buffalo! His bovine appearance belies an unpredictable nature.
Designs The designs of all the Natura series are, in our opinion, very artistically created and engraved, with themes which may be bold or subtle, but which break away from more traditional coin designs, and with fine detailing and artistic expression more akin to historic medals or medallions.
Technical Specifications The following tables summarise the specifications of all the sizes.
Artists and Diesinkers
| Details | Ounce | Half | Quarter | Tenth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Obverse Design
|
A. L. Sutherland | A. L. Sutherland | A. L. Sutherland | A. L. Sutherland |
|
Reverse Design
|
A. L. Sutherland | S. Erasmus | A. Minnie | A. L. Sutherland |
Complete Boxed Natura Gold Proof Sets
| Date | Description | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
|
1997
|
Buffalo | 1,800 |
Key to Table Mintage: Most recent figures quoted in Krause.
Prices & Availability
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Postage & Packing
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Obverse of 1997 Proof One Ounce Gold Natura Coin
Reverse of 1997 Proof One Ounce Natura Gold Coin
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