1998 1/10 oz Proof Gold Natura Leopard

Description

The 1998 1/10 oz Proof Gold Natura Leopard served as the final release in the South African Mint’s original 1994–1998 Natura “Big Five” series. Introduced as South Africa’s premier pure gold collection—and the country’s first coins struck in 24-karat fine gold—the Natura program gained world renown for its fine execution of native wildlife motifs.

The obverse displays Arthur Sutherland’s realistic three-quarter frontal portrait of a growling leopard, accompanied by the inscription “South Africa” in cursive script and the 1998 year date. The reverse features artwork by Aldrid Minnie depicting a solitary leopard drinking water, framed by inscriptions denoting the weight, purity, and “Natura” series name. Struck in fine .9999 gold with high-contrast proof dies, this classic issue represents an important piece of South African numismatic history.

Key features:

• Contains 1/10 troy ounce of pure .9999 fine gold
• Struck in a mirror-like Proof finish by the South African Mint
• Culminating issue of the original 1994–1998 Natura “Big Five” series
• Features artwork by Arthur Sutherland (obverse) and Aldrid Minnie (reverse)
• Official legal tender status within the Natura series denomination
• Limited worldwide mintage
• Supplied in official South African Mint presentation packaging with a Certificate of Authenticity