NATURA PRESTIGE SET - Giants of Africa - The Eland
Maximum Mintage - 700
In 2005 the Natura 24 ct gold coins featured the first theme in the “Giants of Africa” series, the Hippopotamus. The Hippopotamus was followed by the Giraffe in 2006. The Eland (Taurotragus Oryx) will be depicted as the larges antelope in South Africa.
An Eland bull can weigh up to 900kg and can grow to a shoulder height of 1,7m. In spite of it’s heavy physic, Eland are remarkable agile and large bulls can easily jump over regular fences. The have a slight bump on the shoulders and a prominent dewlap. The heavy horns of both sexes slant backwards and can grow to a length of 1m. Females weigh only about 450kg. As they grow older their colour changes from tawny colour to grey. The male has a tuft of hair on his forehead. With age this tuft changes colour from dark brown to black. They also have distinctive faint vertical white stripes on their flanks.
The Eland is a browser, utilising a wide diversity of plant species. It can exist for long periods without open water but is then reliant on fruits like the Tsamma Melon and the Gemsbok Cucumber to meet its water requirements. They will also eat young grass especially after it has been burnt and new green shoots appear.
The Eland are gregarious and occur in herds of up to 200 in mating season. Normally they run in herds of 60 to 70 animals. Old bulls split from the herd and remain solitary. Although the Eland does not have a specific breeding season, in South Africa it has been noted that there are peak months when significantly more calves are born than in other months. A single calve is born after a gestation period of approximately 9 months. Calves can run with the herd within hours of being born.
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 "2007" 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.
Each single Natura coin (1oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz) is packaged in a wood box. 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.
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