Somalia Elephant 1oz Silver Coin 2008 | margin scheme
Bayerisches Hauptmünzamt
The Bayerisches Hauptmünzamt (Bavarian State Mint), located in Munich, is one of the oldest still-operating mints in Germany. Officially established in 1871, its origins date back to the 12th century.
Today, the mint is responsible for producing German circulation, commemorative, and collector coins on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Finance. Coins minted in Munich bear the mint mark “D”.
In addition to official coins, the Bayerisches Hauptmünzamt also produces medals, awards, and custom special issues for both private and institutional clients. It represents precision, craftsmanship, and centuries-old minting tradition.
Zamdorfer Straße 92
81677 München
Tel: +49 (0)89 99 26 90-0
Fax: +49 (0)89 99 26 90-200
eMail: poststelle@hma.bayern.de
🇸🇴 Somalia Elephant 2008 – 1 oz Silver Coin – Early Issue with an African Nature Motif
The Somalia Elephant 2008 – 1 oz silver coin is among the early issues of a series that presents African elephants in annually changing designs. Even these early releases follow a clear design concept: the animal is not portrayed in a dramatic scene, but instead appears in a calm and natural form. The coin combines an objective visual language with modern minting techniques, while allowing the precious metal itself to play a central role in the overall impression.
The obverse features the coat of arms of Somalia, a shield with a star supported by two leopards. This depiction is clearly structured and carefully executed. Surrounding inscriptions indicate the issuing country, the denomination, and the year of issue 2008. The lettering is evenly arranged and integrates harmoniously into the surface. This creates a calm overall impression, emphasizing the clear and bright appearance of the silver.
The reverse shows the elephant as the central motif of the coin. The animal appears in a natural posture, conveying strength and endurance through its calm presence. The powerful body, the long trunk, and the distinct contours are finely modeled. The skin texture is subtly detailed, giving the relief a sculptural depth. The background remains deliberately restrained, allowing the elephant to stand clearly at the center and unfold its presence through form and proportion.
The line work of the relief is precise and calm. Light and shadow glide gently across the surface, creating a subtle spatial effect. Integrated into the reverse are the inscriptions 1 oz weight and 999 silver, clearly readable and harmoniously embedded within the design. These details integrate discreetly into the overall composition and do not disturb the calm visual effect of the motif.
The 1 oz denomination provides sufficient space to make the details of the motif clearly visible. The silver appears in a bright, even luster, highlighting the precision of the minting process. The surface appears balanced and calm, while the relief heights are clearly defined. The cleanly finished rim forms a harmonious finish to the coin.
The early issues of the Somalia Elephant series already display the design characteristics that later became the hallmark of the program: a nature-oriented depiction, clear lines, and a calm composition. The 2008 issue preserves these principles and stands at the beginning of a series that would continue for many years.
The Somalia Elephant 2008 – 1 oz silver coin unites a nature motif, precise minting craftsmanship, and the quiet presence of silver. It presents the elephant as a powerful yet calm symbol of African wildlife, minted in silver and designed with clarity, structure, and timeless elegance.
| Metal | Silver |
| Form | Silver Coin |
| Country of Origin | Somalia |
| Issuer | Bayrisches Hauptmünzamt |
| Manufacturer | Bayerisches Hauptmünzamt |
| Series | Somalia Elephant |
| Purity | 999/1000 |
| Fineweight | 31.10 gram |
| Gross Weight | 31.10 gram |
| Denomination (oz) | 1 oz |
| Year of issue | 2008 |
| Grade | Brilliant |
| Condition | Circulated |
| Face value | 100 Shilling |
| Thickness | 3.10 mm |
| Diameter | 38.7 mm |
| Packaging | Single in Pouch |
| Packaging Unit | 20 per tube |
| Large Packaging 2 | 500 per Box |