South African Silver Coins

Which South African Coins Contain Silver?

A handful of vintage South African coins contain silver, such as the South African 5 shillings coin with 0.800 grams of silver. Today, the most notable South African silver coins today tend to be bullion, collectible, or commemorative coinage. One such example is the Silver Krugerrand, the modern 99.9% fine silver counterpart to the Gold Krugerrand that is widely considered to be the first modern gold bullion coin. The ongoing Big 5 Series, which honors iconic wildlife of Southern Africa, also produces annual issues of Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) and proof-quality versions of each design, both struck from 99.99% fine silver.

Silver Krugerrands for Sale

Though Krugerrands date back to 1967, Silver Krugerrands were not minted until 2017. The inaugural releases were considered to have a “Premium Uncirculated” finish. 2018 then saw the first-ever bullion Silver Krugerrand issued with a standard Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) finish. Since the series’ debut, each year, the South African Mint releases both proof and BU issues of Silver Krugerrands in a variety of sizes. The Silver Krugerrand has the same design as the Gold Krugerrand; however, while both are South African legal tender, Silver Krugerrands carry a face value, while their gold counterparts do not. 

The obverse features Otto Schultz’s portrait of Paul Kruger, who served as the third President of the South African Republic. Though his place in history is revered by some and reviled by others, Kruger’s status as one of the country’s most influential leaders is undeniable. His effigy is encompassed by two inscriptions: “SUID-AFRIKA” and “SOUTH AFRICA.”

The reverse design showcases Coert Steynberg’s springbok antelope design, gracefully galloping across a South African field. The date of the coin is split by the iconic animal, with the first two digits on the left and the last two on the right. The coin’s name, “KRUGERRAND,” can be seen arching across the top of the reverse while the coin’s weight arches across the bottom.

GovMint proudly carries a wide variety of annual Silver Krugerrand releases. Shop our Silver Krugerrands for sale today!

South Africa’s Big 5 Series

South Africa began this multi-year coin program, known as the Big Five Series, in 2019 with a BU coin struck from 99.99% fine silver as well as a proof-quality version, both featuring the elephant. These South African coins honor the majestic wildlife of Southern Africa, known as the Big 5: the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhinoceros, and the Buffalo. These coins are launched biannually, and thanks to the popularity of the initial series, there have been three separate Big 5 series (I, II, III), all honoring the famous Big 5 South African animals. Series I began in 2019, with the Big 5 Series II beginning in 2021. Collectors have anticipated each release of both the Big 5 Series I and Big Five Series II, so much so that 2024 saw the launch of the Big 5 Series III, featuring the same Big Five animals, with all new designs. 

Shop the latest Big Five Series III releases right here at GovMint to add to your Big Five collection of African silver coins.

South African Mint

It wasn’t until 1961 that the Republic of South Africa officially separated from the British Commonwealth. After that point, the South African Mint began striking its own coinage separate from Britain’s. Since then, the South African Mint has worked independently to become one of the most renowned mints worldwide. The Krugerrand stands as the mint’s signature coin, attracting the interest of collectors around the world. In addition to the Krugerrand and Big Five Series, the South African Mint also produces the Natura series, which spotlights various animals native to the South African region.

Shop South African Silver Coins at GovMint

Whether you’re looking to expand your growing collection of South African silver coins or curious to expand your collection with leading world coinage, GovMint offers the latest releases of South African silver coins, including the world-famous Silver Krugerrand. With GovMint, you can trust that each purchase is secure and authenticated. Shop our wide selection of South African coins to enhance your collection today!