After a quick look a couple of days ago via some coloured third-party variants, the main range of the Bavarian State Mint’s Somalia Elephant series of bullion coins is now available to pre-order. One of the most popular bullion coins of recent years, if not in the numbers enjoyed by the American Eagles, Austrian Philharmonics and Canadian Maples, these are well liked for their design and choice of sizes.

It’s on that latter point that the range has surprised this year. There are eight silver sizes available from a kilo (1000 grams) down to just over 3 grams. It’s a huge selection and all the popular bigger sizes are being struck, although how much demand there is for a 1/10th ounce of silver we’re not so sure.

Gold is even better served if indeed there is to be a 1 kg size, with nine weights available. Again, there’s something for everyone, especially at the smaller end. That makes more sense with gold given the vastly higher spot price for the yellow metal, but even so we’re not sure of the need for a 1/50th oz (0.62 g) coin and a 0.5 g minigold. It’s doubly odd when they share a diameter as well. The minigold is likely a proof and the former a bullion coin, but even so the 1/50th seems unnecessary given the other choices. All the other choices are filled perfectly unless you’re after a 10 kg version. We’re going to assume you’re not…

The design is new, which is great, particularly since it’s a fine one. There have been some mildly tweaked and even rehashed designs in latter years so it’s good to see something all new and done so well. The silver coins will be available singly, either in capsules or plastic sleeves depending on the dealer, and the usual tubes and monster boxes for bigger quants. The gold coins are packaged the same in single form. Premiums tend to be a little higher than the Maples and Kangaroos, but not excessively so. Available over the next few weeks we believe, some of the mintage information will be clarified shortly, so regard as preliminary for the moment.