Just like last year, the new Somali Elephant bullion coin design has shown its face by appearing on a limited coin release rather than on the bullion coin proper. This year it’s the turn of a small run of 1,000 coins struck for the upcoming ANA show to be held in Denver in August. Other than the presence of a privy mark to denote the event, the design is what we’re to see for the main coin range.

As you can see in the picture above (yes, we know it’s an Indian elephant, but I liked it..), it’s a great design, in our view the best for some time. Whereas we’ve been a little critical of rehashed designs over the last couple of years, this one is new and a definite step up. No changes to the basic layout – the elephant artwork still sits in an inscription-filled border, but that’s only to be expected for a long-running series.

This coin will only be available in one format, but fortunately the one-ounce silver coin is the most popular one. Coming with a c.o.a and boxed, this remains a brilliant-uncirculated coin and not a proof. What makes this one a little extra special is the obverse still being dated 2017, so this may well be the only way to get this design without a 2018 date on the back.

The full range shouldn’t be long coming now and last year comprised a wide range of silver sizes from 1000 grams down to 3 grams, and gold from 1000 grams down to a tiny 0.5 gram minigold. Some will be proof and some brilliant uncirculated. There will no doubt be the usual high-relief variant and predictably the aftermarket mob will slap paint all over them in various designs. Available from APMEX very shortly, keep your eye out if you want this good-looking coin.