In 2007 the South African Mint released a very special Limited Issue Prestige Natura Eland Gold Proof 4 Coin Set all struck in solid Fine 999.9 Gold and includes the 1oz, 1/2oz, 1/4oz and 1/10oz coins and is the third in the series of Giants of Africa series.
To continue the theme of 'Giants of Africa' series the 2007 coins depicts the Eland the largest antelope in South Africa. An Eland can weigh up to 900kg and can grow to a shoulder height of 1.7 meters. In spite of its heavy physique, Eland are remarkably agile and large bulls can easily jump over regular fences.
They have a slight hump at the shoulders and a prominent dewlap. The heavy horns of both sexes slant backward and can grow to a length of 1 meter. Females weigh only about 450 kilograms. As they grow older their colour changes from a tawny colour to grey. The male has a tuft of hair on the forehead. With age, this tuft changes colour from dark brown to black. They also have a distinctive faint vertical white stripes on their flanks.
The Eland is a browser, utilizing a wide diversity of plant species. It can exist for long periods without open water but is then reliant on fruits like tsamma melon and the Gemsbok cucumber to meet its water requirements. They will also eat young grass especially after it has been burnt and new green shoots appear. These legal tender coins have been struck to proof quality using specially prepared dies and highly polished blanks.
Limited Mintage Presentation of only 615 Worldwide
Finished to South African Mint's Proof Quality in Solid Fine 999.9 Pure Gold
Natura Prestige Gold Coin Set Celebrating the Eland
South African Mint Boxed with Certificate of Authenticity
