2003 - Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park R2 Gold Series

THE DESIGN
On the reverse of the R2 proof gold coin, this heritage site is represented through a collage of animals and plants from this region. On the coin a hippo cow and calf are depicted. This area holds the largest single population of hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) in South Africa. Within the park, Lake St Lucia is home to the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus). The Park is of particular importance as a breeding area for the Pinkbacked pelican (Pelecanus rufescens), as well as for many other bird species. It is also a refuge in the southern African subcontinent for a large number of migratory waterfowl and wetland birds such as the lesser flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor). Another visitor to the Park is the Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta). These turtles mate and breed on the beaches during the summer months. As part of the background design of the coin, an ilala palm and a flame lily are featured with an ammonite fossil. The word “R2” and “1/4 oz Au 999.9” complete the design.

ARTIST
Lilian Guerra, Graphic Designer and Artist at the South African Mint designed the reverse of this coin.

ENGRAVERS
The obverse design for the R2 gold coin was engraved by the South African Mint’s chief die-engraver, Arthur Sutherland. South African Mint resident die-engraver, Marthinus Scheepers engraved the reverse design.