Sierra Leone: Launch of new “Big Five” silver double-crown series features the majestic African elephant

The Bank of Sierra Leone has issued (28th January) new silver Proof quality double crown coins, which, when completed, will form a five-coin series of what we all know as the “Big Five.” The Big Five refers to the exceptionally beautiful creatures within the animal kingdom that freely inhabit the African continent and whose presence in the wild is both breathtaking and reassuring. The Big Five includes the African elephant, the lion, the leopard, the rhinoceros, and the water buffalo. They will all be featured in this series during the year.

These animals are quintessentially a part of the landscape and part of African life in many countries with vast open spaces and unspoiled natural habitats. To those planning a safari to Africa, the Big Five represents safari royalty, but was initially used as the term to describe the five most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot. This term is now thankfully used to describe the five “must see” animals on your never-to-be-forgotten experience of a lifetime. These unique and incredible animals are impressive in their own right, and if you are lucky enough to witness any of them in their natural habitat, it will remain with you for years to come.

The first coin in the collection features the African elephant, the largest of all land mammals. These amazing creatures can live up to 70 years in the wild, and when you consider they spend up to 16 hours a day eating, it is easy to see why they are so large. Elephants are very communicative and sociable, using a wide range of sounds to talk to each other, some of which can be heard six miles away. These mammals are calm as long as you leave them alone, and it is in your best interest not to annoy them as 12,000 lbs of weight hurtling towards you at quite a surprising speed would be a terrifying sight. The elephant is probably best known for its fantastic trunk, which contains 40,000 muscles and is used to sense the size, shape, and temperature of the object it touches.

The coin has been produced by the Pobjoy Mint, at their facilities in Surrey, on behalf of the Bank of Sierra Leone. They are specially minted in high relief on two-ounce fine silver polished blanks. The obverse side of the coins features the head of an elephant styled as though it is an African mask. The special incused rim features an African pattern to continue the theme.

The reverse of the coins feature the crest of the Republic of Sierra Leone, which is centred in the middle of the coin with the text REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE placed above the crest. The year of issue, 2019, is shown beneath the crest.

Denom.	Metal	Weight	Diameter	Quality	Maximum Mintage
20 dollars	.999 silver	62.2 g	50 mm	High-relief Proof	500

This is the first coin in the series, and a further four coins will be released featuring the remaining animals, known as the “Big Five,” during the year. Each two-ounce fine silver coin has been produced in high relief and is encased in an original Perspex container in the shape of a square which frames the coin, allowing for easy display. The frame is packaged in an outer printed sleeve and includes the certificate of authenticity. For additional information about this coin and others issued by the Bank of Sierra Leone, please visit the website of the Pobjoy Mint.

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