THE DESIGN

Proud of South Africa’s participation, and its being the host country to the ICC Cricket World Cup South Africa 2003, the theme for the 2003 coin series featured Cricket.

This proof set consisted of a 1-oz pure gold coin (Au 999.9), a 1/10th pure gold coin (Au 999.9) and a R1 sterling silver (Ag 925 Cu 75) coin. The common obverse of all three coins portrays South Africa’s national flower, the King Protea (Protea Cynaroides). The word “South Africa” and the date “2003” is depicted.

The reverse of the 1-oz gold coin featured a batsman in a “sweep” position. The face value of the coin of “R25”, the words “Protea” and “1 oz – Au 999.9” is also featured. The reverse of the 1/10th oz gold coin featured a cricket ball, stylized with the stumps and a bail. The face value of “R5” and the words “Protea” and “1/10 oz – Au 999.9” are also depicted. On the reverse of the R1 sterling silver, a fast bowler delivering a ball, is captured. A cricket wicket, the word “Protea” and the face value of “R1” also featured. The stylized seam of a cricket-ball is modeled into the background of all three coins, linking the cricket theme on the coins.

The South African Mint is truly honored to be part of this popular sporting world event and pays tribute to all past, current and future cricket players, sportsmen and sporting events.

The Protea legal tender coins are issued as limited edition singles or in sets in proof quality. The R1 silver coin is also available as an uncirculated coin.

ARTIST
Natanya van Niekerk – Marketing Manager and chief artist at the South African Mint designed the 2003 PROTEA series.

ENGRAVERS
The obverse design for the three coins was engraved by the South African Mint’s chief die-engraver, Arthur Sutherland. South African Mint resident die-engravers, Cecil Moses, Mathinus Scheepers and Paul Botes engraved the reverse for the R25, R5 and R1 Protea coins.