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2003 - African
Eagles, Birds of Prey Series.
(R2 silver
crown size and 2½ cent sterling silver proof coins)
THE DESIGN
Both the Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) and the Bateleur
Eagle (Terathopius ecaudatus)
were chosen to represent the majestic African eagles.
On the left-hand side of the R2 crown size coin, a Bateleur
Eagle, perched on a branch, surveys the African savannah. This exceptionally
beautiful eagle earned its name from its peculiar flight pattern – “bateleur” which is a French word meaning “acrobat”. Its pointed wings which allows it to glide fast and far in search
of food. As it glides, it cants from side to side – a motion unique
among African eagles.
Separated from the Bateleur Eagle by a flowing line
and the “R2”, the Martial Eagle lands, wings out-stretched onto a thorn tree
branch. The Martial Eagle is the largest and most powerful eagle in Africa and with its black breast, brown head and wings
and black spotting on the white underparts, is a
magnificent sight to behold.
Depicted on the left-hand side of the 2½ c Tickey, is a portrait of a
young Bateleur Eagle. As these eagles mature, their
light brown white-flecked neck plumage turns a dark purple-black and their
greenish-blue faces and legs become scarlet-red. Separated from the Bateleur Eagle by a flowing line and the “2½ c”, is the
face of a young Martial Eagle. The Martial Eagle is the largest and most
powerful eagle in Africa. They do most of
their hunting from the air, using their phenomenal eyesight to locate even the
smallest and most expertly camouflaged creature from great heights. This eagle
is a magnificent sight to behold.
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Face
value
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Theme
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Maximum
mintage
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R2
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Sterling
silver Martial Eagle and the Bateleur Eagle
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2 ½ c
sterling silver
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Martial
Eagle and the Bateleur Eagle
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Combination
set
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ARTIST
Lilian Guerra – Graphic design/artist at the South
African Mint designed the 2003, R2 and 2½c coin series.
ENGRAVERS
The obverse design for the R2 sterling silver coin was engraved by the South
African Mint’s former chief die-engraver, Arthur Sutherland and obverse design
for the 2 ½ c tickey sterling silver coin was
engraved by K Gray. South African Mint resident die-engravers, Cecil Moses and
Paul Botes engraved the reverse designs.
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