2006 - The Black-Backed Jackal, Hunters of Africa, sterling silver proof coins

(50 cent, 20 cent, 10 cent and 5 cent)

Over the last five years these four legal tender coins have become increasingly popular amongst collectors. In 2005 a new theme, “Hunters of Africa”, was introduced on this silver coin series, featuring the African Wild Dog. In 2006, the Black-Backed Jackal is featured.

The Black-Backed Jackals (Canis mesomelas) are slender creatures, weighing between 5 to 10 kg. Their sides, head and legs are a sandy tan to reddish gold in colour. Their back has a saddle from head to tip of the tail that is black and white mixed hairs. Often the edges of the saddle are framed in bright rust. They have a thick under-coat for cold weather, which they shed in the spring. These jackals are the most abundant and widespread of the larger carnivores in sub- Saharan Africa.

The ancient Egyptians believed a jackal-headed god, Anubis, guided the dead to those who judged their souls. Such beliefs were probably encouraged by the jackal's cleverness, nocturnal habits and eerie howling. Unfortunately this belief has not lasted and today many jackals are hunted and persecuted. Like other predators, jackals do kill livestock under some circumstances and have therefore been shot, snared and poisoned in most livestock areas. Conservation measures are being taken and the jackal is found in numerous protected areas, including the Kruger National Park in South Africa.

The Black-Backed Jackal is commemorated on this year's silver coin series with various aspects of these predators being featured on the reverse side of each coin. The design of the coins is based on the jackal's cunning ability to adapt to the habitat around them, emphasising their acute and well-developed sense of hearing and smell. On the common obverse, the South African coat of arms, the words “South Africa” and the year “2006”, are featured.

ARTIST
Lilian Guerra, resident artist at the South African Mint designed the four wildlife coins.

ENGRAVERS
The obverse design for the coins was engraved by the South African Mint’s chief die-engraver, Arthur Sutherland. South African Mint resident die-engravers, Cecil Moses, Marthinus Scheepers, Aldrid Minnie and Lillian Guerra engraved the reverse designs.