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1/2 Ounce Natura - Kudu, King of the Antelopes
| Issuer | South African Mint |
|---|---|
| Year | 1999 |
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| Shape | Round |
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| Obverse description | A finely detailed three-quarter right-facing portrait of a kudu bull occupies the central field, its distinctive spiralling horns rising prominently above the composition. The bust is rendered within a large circular arc, behind which a stylised acacia tree in low relief forms a decorative border element on the left and upper field. A broad ribbon or banner curves across the upper portion of the design bearing the legend SOUTH AFRICA, while the date 1999 appears in bold numerals at the top of the field. The engraver's initials ALS appear in the lower field near the base of the kudu's neck. |
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| Reverse script | Latin |
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| Additional information |
The Natura series launched in 1994 as the South African Mint's answer to a growing collector market that wanted something beyond the Krugerrand's purely bullion-oriented appeal. Each annual release focused on a single wildlife theme, and the kudu's 1999 appearance marked a natural fit — the greater kudu is one of southern Africa's most hunted trophy animals, its spiral horns commanding premium prices on the international hunting circuit throughout the decade.
Struck to .9999 fineness rather than the Krugerrand's .9167, the Natura series consistently attracted collectors who objected to the alloy used in the older coin.