The South African Gold Krugerrand, first struck in 1967, made its mark in history by allowing the average person to begin collecting precious metal bullion. It became so popular after it was released that it inspired other countries to strike their own versions, which is where coin series like the American Gold Eagle and the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf originated. While these other gold bullion series almost always included silver versions, the Krugerrand remained solely a 22-karat gold coin for the next 50 years.

Now, despite already creating one historic release in 2017, the South African Mint has announced that they are not stopping there. Using the same exceptional, enhanced design we have seen on the Premium Uncirculated Silver Krugerrands, the Mint has struck the first-ever Proof Silver Krugerrand later this year! Unlike the Premium Uncirculated Silver Krugerrands which had a limited mintage of 1,000,000 coins, these Silver Krugerrand Proofs will have a tiny mintage of only 15,000!

Enhanced Krugerrand Design

Created directly from the original dies used to strike the 1967 Gold Krugerrands, the South African Mint brings you an enhanced version of a historic design on its 2017 Silver Krugerrand Proofs. Each 1 oz., .999 fine silver coin is struck multiple times to bring out the finest detail, with a brilliantly mirrored field and frosted devices.

Reverse

The reverse depicts the well-known design of a South Africa springbok antelope in motion across a beautiful landscape. Created by renowned South African sculptor Coert Steynberg, this side of the coin again shows the immense detail added by the laser-enhancement in the springbok’s fur, and the scenic backdrop behind it. Around the design, the inscriptions “KRUGERRAND,” “2017” and Afrikaans and English “FYNSILWER 1 OZ FINE SILVER R1” are noted, as well as the small “1967-2017 50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY” privy mark found above the antelope.

Obverse

On the obverse, we have famous Boer Statesman and first president of what is now South Africa, Paul Kruger. In an image originally created by artist Otto Schultz, Oom Paul (“Uncle Paul”) is depicted facing right, encircled by the Afrikaans and English inscriptions “SUID-AFRIKA” and “SOUTH AFRICA.” The enhanced details of the design are particularly noticeable when examining Kruger’s beard and hair.