BACKGROUND ON THE SERIES
The legal tender Natura series was first minted in 1994. These coins were South Africa¿s first 24 carat (Au 999.9) gold coin series. The numerous international awards that this unique series has been awarded, is an indication of its lasting popularity.
Following upon the success of the ¿Big Five¿ theme minted from 1994 ¿ 1998, the ¿Monarchs of Africa¿ theme was introduced in 1999. Three species of South African antelope, namely the Kudu as King of the Antelope, the Sable as Queen of the Antelope and the Oryx (Gemsbok) as Prince of the Kalahari were featured on the Natura coins from 1999 to 2001. In 2002, another exciting theme was introduced: ¿Wild Cats of Africa¿. The fast and furious cat, The Cheetah was the first of the wild cats to be featured.
NATURA INTERNATIONAL AWARDS:
The 1996 "Elephant", 1997 "Buffalo" and the 1999 "Kudu" have won the award "THE WORLD¿S MOST BEAUTIFUL GOLD COMMEMORATIVE COIN" at the Mint Directors Conferences.
In 1998, the "Leopard" coin won the prestigious "MOST POPULARCOIN" award at the 12th International Singapore Coin Show
| Natura Coin Series Specifications |
| Description | Diameter mm | Mass Gram | Metal Content |
| 1 oz | 32,69 | 31,107 | Au 999,9 |
| ¿ oz | 27,00 | 15,553 | Au 999,9 |
| ¿ oz | 22,00 | 7,777 | Au 999,9 |
| 1/10 th oz | 16,50 | 3,110 | Au 999,9 |
The Natura legal tender coins are issued as singles or in sets in limited edition and PROOF quality only.
"Giants of Africa"
2006 - The Giraffe (Giraffa Camelopardalis)
In 2005 the Natura 24 carat gold coins featured the first theme in the ¿Giants of Africa¿ series, the Hippopotamus. In 2006, the second giant, the Giraffe (Giraffa Camelopardalis), is depicted. The giraffe is the tallest land mammal in the world. The Giraffe's scientific name Camelopardalis indicates a resemblance to both camel (size) and leopard (spots). The body is covered in large, irregularly shaped patches of colour divided from one another by a network of light coloured, off-white or yellowish-white bands, which tend to darken with age. Giraffe have ¿horns¿ which are not true horns, but knobs covered with skin and hair above the eyes to protect the head from blows. The giraffe is characterised by a very long neck, which has seven cervical vertebrae (the same number as human beings), except the giraffe's vertebrae are each 30cm long. They have a mane of short stiff hair.
Ancient cultures in Africa revered the giraffe and they are commonly depicted in prehistoric rock and cave paintings. Giraffe occur in a wide range of dry savanna ranging from scrub to woodland, provided that these include the particular range of food plants necessary to cover their seasonal requirements. They are predominantly diurnal browsers and eat a wide range of food plants, but they do graze occasionally on fresh, sprouting grasses. Giraffe are quiet species although the males fight viciously for dominance over the group. The giraffe's defensive weapon against its main enemy, the lion, is a kick that packs a powerful, hoofed punch. Giraffe have an unusual, ungainly gait: the two legs on each side swing almost in unison. At full gallop, with the tail twisted over the hindquarters and the neck swinging to and fro in rhythm with the legs, it can achieve a speed of 56 km/h. A sleepy giraffe may take a nap standing up, with its head supported in the fork of a tree. Even if it lies down it will usually keep its neck upright. If a whole troop of giraffes are resting, they orientate themselves in different directions so as to be prepared for danger from any direction. A Giraffe can weigh up to 1 200kg, they can reach a height of 5,5m and their life-span averages 28 years.
Prestige Set Limited Edition: 700
The Natura Prestige Set consists of four 24 carat gold coins (1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz) packaged together in a wooden box which is made from an indigenous South African wood called "Kiaat". In addition each set has a plaque featuring the name "Natura Prestige Set" as well as the year "2006" and the individual number of the set. Each set issued has an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity. This Certificate of Authenticity guarantees the quality and authenticity of the coin made by the South African Mint Company.
Certificate of Authenticity
Each coin and coin set issued by the South African Mint Company has a Certificate of Authenticity. The certificate describes the coin¿s specifications, the year, the limited edition as well as a short description of the product. It also depicts the signature of the South African Mint¿s Managing Director, who is currently Mr Andile Mvinjelwa.
To prevent the duplication of a South African Mint product, the certificates are re-designed each year to include the coin design and each certificate is individually numbered according to the limited edition of the coin or set. As another security measure, the South African Mint¿s logo, which is printed in transparent ink and only visible under ultra-violet light, features as part of the layout.
