Natura - 2011 The Meerkat(R50, 1/2 oz, 24 ct gold)
2011 Natura: Natures Families
The Meerkat Proof 1/2 oz 24 carat Gold coin.
The 2011 Natura coin series features “Nature’s Families” and depicts the popular Meerkat Family. The common obverse of this series shows part of a family in their typical watchful stance, stretched high on their back legs to observe all and sundry on the desert’s horizon.
Meerkats are a type of Mongoose. The name “Meerkat” is the Afrikaans version of the English name, Marsh Cat. However, Meerkats do not live near marshes and they are not cats! They are found in the southern part of Africa which is dominated by the Kalahari Desert. Their scientific name is Suricata suricatta.
The reverse of the 1/2 oz Natura portrays a Meerkat sentry on duty. In order to survive, Meerkats must live in groups for protection and sentry duty is a main duty to be performed by every meerkat at some stage.
Limited Edition: 1500
R50 The Meerkat 1/2 oz Gold, AU 999.9
The set consist of a 1/2 oz 24 carat gold coin.
Natura Coin Specifications
R50 (1/2 oz) | |
24 Carat Gold | |
Mass: | 15.553 gram |
Diameter: | 27.00 mm |
Metal Content: | Au 999.9 |
Reverse Die-Sinker: | C Moses |
Reverse Artist: | N van Niekerk |
Obverse Die-Sinker : | MJ Scheepers |
Obverse Artist: | N van Niekerk |
Certificate of Authenticity
Each coin 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, 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.