Catalog
1500 Shillings Gorilla
| Issuer | Bank of Tanzania |
|---|---|
| Year | 2019 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | 50 mm |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | A dramatic ultra-high-relief colored depiction of a gorilla's face filling the entire reverse field, rendered with exceptional naturalistic detail. The subject is portrayed in a full-frontal aggressive display, mouth open wide to reveal large canine teeth and lower dentition, with amber-colored eyes conveying intense ferocity. The dense black fur, textured skin, and brow ridge are meticulously sculpted and finished with polychrome coloring. A small map of Africa and additional lettering appear at the upper field above the brow, while the inscriptions GORILLA and CONTINENTAL appear along the lower periphery in the field. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
Tanzania's gorilla bullion series was launched to compete directly with established African wildlife silver rounds — most notably the South African Krugerrand and the Somali Elephant series — as part of a broader push by East African nations to capture a share of the international bullion collector market in the 2010s. The 62.2g specification is not accidental: it matches exactly two troy ounces, positioning the coin for straightforward pricing against spot silver.
The series is struck by B.H. Mayer's Mint in Germany, not by any Tanzanian facility.