Natura 2007 “Giants of Africa” – The Eland (Taurotragus Oryx)

 

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.

Proof Set Limited Edition: 1000

The Natura Proof Set consists of four 24 carat gold coins (1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz) packaged together in a dark green leatherette 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.

2007 - The Eland
Face Value	Maximum Mintage
100 1 oz	1500
R50 ½ oz	1500
R20 ¼ oz	3000
R10 1/10 oz	3000

Each single Natura coin (1oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz) is packaged in a dark green leatherette box. Each coin 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.

Certificate of Authenticity

Each coin and coin set issued by the South African Mint Company has a Certificate of Authenticity. The certificate describes the coin’s specifications, the year, the limited edition as well as a short description of the product. It also depicts the signature of the South African Mint’s Managing Director, who is currently Mr Andile Mvinjelwa.

To prevent the duplication of a South African Mint product, the certificates are re-designed each year to include the coin design and each certificate is individually numbered according to the limited edition of the coin or set. As another security measure, the South African Mint’s logo, which is printed in transparent ink and only visible under ultra-violet light, features as part of the layout.