South Africa Big Five - Elephant 1oz Gold Coin 2024
Rand Refinery
Rand Refinery (Pty) Ltd, located in Germiston, South Africa, was founded in 1920 by the Chamber of Mines. It is the world’s largest integrated single-site precious metals refinery and smelter. The refinery processes raw gold to a minimum purity of 99.5%, used for bars or as material for Krugerrand coins. It plays a central role in the global gold market. Rand Refinery is one of only five LBMA Good Delivery Referees, guaranteeing top standards in quality, purity, and sourcing.
GPSR: Rand Refinery Limited
P.O. Box 565
1400 Germiston, South Africa
gold@gold.co.za
+27 (011) 418-9000
🇿🇦 Big Five – Elephant 2024 – 1 oz Gold Coin – South Africa’s Iconic Animal in Calm Presence
The Big Five – Elephant 2024 – 1 oz Gold Coin from the South African Mint presents one of Africa’s most significant wild animals in a design focused on clarity, calmness, and balanced lines. The series has long been dedicated to the five great animals of the African continent, portraying each one with a visual language that avoids dramatic staging in favor of concentrated, structured representation. In the 1-ounce format, the elephant motif unfolds a particular depth, as the generous surface allows the fine modelling and smooth transitions of the relief to be clearly visible. The 999.9 fine gold gives the coin a warm glow that highlights the gentle contours of the animal and contributes to a harmonious overall appearance.
The obverse features a frontal depiction of the elephant. This perspective emphasizes the wide ears, powerful trunk, and the distinctive shape of the head. The linework remains clear and orderly, ensuring the figure does not appear heavy or imposing, but rather calm and balanced. The skin texture is suggested through fine engraving lines that reflect the animal’s natural appearance in soft gradation. The modelling deliberately avoids strong contrasts or deep relief zones, giving the image a quiet, dignified presence. The background is kept smooth so that the elephant’s shape stands out clearly. The surrounding inscriptions for the series and edition, “Big Five 2024,” are set in a calm, understated typography that integrates harmoniously into the composition.
The reverse shows a second elephant, presented in the characteristic design style of the Big Five series, complementing the obverse. The image displays a side-oriented head whose contours visually correspond with those on the obverse, conceptually forming a larger overall shape. This design principle is typical for the series and creates a connection between the two sides without repeating or mirroring the motif. The head is cleanly modelled, with the form of the ear and the lines of the trunk rendered in a quiet and controlled manner. The proportions remain balanced, giving the design just as much impact up close as from a distance. The specifications for weight and gold purity (1 oz 999.9 Gold) are discreetly placed, supporting the design without disrupting the visual harmony.
The elephant is widely regarded as a symbol of calm, strength, and endurance. In the South African natural world, the animal is significant not only for its size but also for its strong social structure and deep connection to the African landscape. The coin reflects this symbolic meaning not through dramatic imagery but through a clear, serene visual form that presents the animal’s dignity across the surface. The frontal pose on the obverse communicates a quiet presence aligned with the elephant’s natural bearing, while the reverse expands this impression with a complementary side view that enriches the composition without overwhelming it.
The technical execution of the South African Mint is evident in the carefully balanced relief and precise linework. The gold surface reflects light in soft transitions, allowing each detail to remain visible without appearing harsh. The reeded edge provides a calm visual boundary and enhances the classic appearance of the coin. The proportions of the 1-ounce format offer enough space for the depth of the motif to unfold while maintaining a balanced relationship between image and surface.
Thus, the Big Five – Elephant 2024 – 1 oz Gold Coin presents a harmonious blend of wildlife depiction, calm symbolism, and modern minting artistry. Struck in 999.9 fine gold, it showcases a design that preserves the dignity of the African elephant in a clear, timeless, and balanced composition.
| Metal | Gold |
| Form | Gold Coin |
| Country of Origin | South-Africa |
| Manufacturer | Rand Refinery |
| Series | Südafrika Big Five |
| Purity | 999.9/1000 |
| Fineweight | 31.10 gram |
| Gross Weight | 31.10 gram |
| Denomination (oz) | 1 oz |
| Year of issue | 2024 |
| Condition | Uncirculated |
| Face value | 50 Rand |
| Diameter | 32.69 mm |
| Packaging | Single in Pouch |
| Packaging Unit | 10 per tube |