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 1/4 oz Natura portrays a watchful alpha male Meerkat on his hind legs and the alpha female grooming a pup. It is the duty of the alpha male and female to breed for the family
Limited Edition: 3000
R20 The Meerkat 1/4 oz Gold, AU 999.9
The set consist of a 1/4 oz 24 carat gold coin.
Natura Coin Specifications
| R20 (1/4 oz) |
| 24 Carat Gold |
Mass: | 7.777 gram |
Diameter: | 22.00 mm |
Metal Content: | Au 999.9 |
Reverse Die-Sinker: | MD Mothobela |
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.