Somalia Elephant 1oz Silver coin 2023 | gilded
Leipziger Edelmetallverarbeitung
Leipziger Edelmetallverarbeitung GmbH (LEV), based in Rötha near Leipzig, is a modern manufacturing center for precious metal products and is part of the Geiger Group. Since 1976, it has continued the long-standing tradition of Saxon precious metal processing, which dates back to the Middle Ages in Leipzig.
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🇸🇴 Somalia Elephant 2023 – 1 oz Silver Coin – Gilded – Africa’s Wildlife in a Calm, Refined Design
The Somalia Elephant 2023 – 1 oz Silver Coin – gilded is part of the long-standing African Wildlife Series, which for many years has portrayed the animals of the African savannah in a clear, nuanced visual style. The combination of .9999 fine silver and restrained partial gilding lends the coin a balanced aesthetic contrast without overpowering the motif. The 1-ounce format provides ample space for both fine engravings and calm, expansive surfaces. The 2023 issue once again places the elephant at the center — a creature that has long symbolized strength, tranquility, and natural presence.
The obverse features the coat of arms of Somalia, traditionally used throughout the series. Two leopards flank a shield topped by a star. The design is rendered in a clean, modern line structure, with moderate relief that stands out clearly against the smooth background. The surrounding inscriptions — country name, denomination, and year — create a classic numismatic composition. The open, polished background allows the emblem to appear structured and prominently placed without added embellishment.
The reverse showcases the elephant, the defining motif of the African Wildlife issues since their beginning. In the 2023 edition, the animal stands in a calm, natural posture, facing slightly forward with its head gently raised and its body clearly modeled. The partial gilding highlights selected areas — typically the trunk, tusks, or distinctive contours — without dominating the design. These golden accents provide a subtle, warm contrast to the bright silver surface and emphasize the animal’s natural form without appearing decorative or excessive.
The elephant’s skin texture is suggested through fine engraved lines that shift softly between matte and reflective areas. Its broad body is clearly structured without deep recesses or harsh contrasts. The ears are wide and planar, maintaining the calm, surface-oriented style characteristic of the series. The eyes are subtly modeled, conveying a neutral, natural expression typical of savannah wildlife.
The background opens into elements of an African landscape: gentle horizon lines, a few stylized trees, and wide, smooth surfaces that give the scene a quiet atmosphere. The landscape is intentionally minimal and modern in its execution, avoiding narrative detail so the elephant remains the clear focal point.
The sky is softly structured, sometimes indicated by slight linework or a gently curved form suggesting open space. The design deliberately avoids dramatic elements such as heavy clouds or deep spatial layering. As a result, the motif remains bright, open, and compositionally balanced.
The inscription “AFRICAN WILDLIFE – ELEPHANT” frames the motif and identifies the series. The silver specifications — “1 oz Ag 999.9” — are integrated harmoniously in a clean, unobtrusive typeface. The text supports the composition without overshadowing the central design.
The effect of the partial gilding is especially evident in its interplay with the reflective silver surface. The gold elements reflect light warmly, while the silver returns it brightly and sharply. This contrast creates depth yet remains controlled and subtle. The transitions between gilded and silver areas are precisely executed, giving the relief an orderly and balanced appearance.
Long recognized as a symbol of strength, serenity, and endurance, the elephant is intentionally portrayed without drama or heroic staging. The African Wildlife Series consistently emphasizes natural posture over narrative action, and the 2023 issue continues this approach. The figure appears neither idealized nor stylized, but as a quiet, powerful presence whose impact stems from form, proportion, and calm composition.
The technical execution by the official minting authority (associated with the Somalia series) is evident in the clean engraving work, the smooth background, and the sharply defined borders between silver and gilding. The edge is finely reeded, giving the coin a stable and traditional frame. Every line follows a deliberate structure, resulting in an overall impression of clarity, harmony, and craftsmanship.
Taken as a whole, the Somalia Elephant 2023 – 1 oz Silver Coin – gilded presents an elegant, timeless interpretation of the animal motif. The combination of fine silver, subtle gold accents, and clear linework creates a composition that preserves the elephant’s natural presence in a calm, refined manner — a dignified representation of African wildlife in precious metal form.
| Metal | Silver |
| Form | Silver Coin |
| Country of Origin | Somalia |
| Manufacturer | Leipziger Edelmetallverarbeitung |
| Series | Somalia Elephant |
| Purity | 999.9/1000 |
| Fineweight | 31.10 gram |
| Gross Weight | 31.10 gram |
| Denomination (oz) | 1 oz |
| Year of issue | 2023 |
| Grade | Brilliant |
| Condition | Uncirculated |
| Face value | 100 Shilling |
| Diameter | 39.00 mm |
| Packaging | Single in capsule |