Walk on the Wild Side

The South African Mint released the fourth issue in its Big Five Series III. First introduced in 2019, the series highlights the iconic African mammals known as the “Big Five”—the elephant, lion, Cape buffalo, rhinoceros, and leopard. 

The most recent release depicts the graceful and powerful leopard. The obverse features the feline standing on a rock and looking over its shoulder. SOUTH AFRICA and BIG FIVE 2026 appear below the scene, with the South African coat of arms in the middle. The reverse shows a close-up of the faces of two leopards, with the denomination and fineness in the center. 

The leopard release is available in silver 5-rand brilliant uncirculated (mintage 10,000) and 50-rand gold proof (500) versions. A set of two silver 5-rand proof coins is also available, with a limit of 1,000 sets. 

The Big Five Series III will conclude with the Cape buffalo issue, which is scheduled for release in August.