African Elephant Silver Coins

The Somalian Silver Elephant from the African Wildlife Series

The Somalian Silver Elephant coins from the Bavarian State Mint are among the most sought-after in the market today. Originally launched as a 1-oz silver coin program for Zambia, the series now includes gold, silver, and platinum options. These coins have shown remarkable growth in value and collector interest. At DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS, we purchase Somalian Silver Elephant coins directly from customers, offering immediate payment and expert evaluations.

Background on the Somalian Silver Elephants

The Silver Elephant coin was originally introduced as part of the Bavarian State Mint’s African Wildlife Series for Zambia. From 1999 to 2003, the coins were available exclusively in a 1 oz silver version. In 2004, the series shifted focus, and the coin was issued for Somalia instead. While it has always been considered part of the African Wildlife Series, the Somalian Silver Elephant is unique in that it is the only coin to feature this official series name directly on its surface.

By 2017, the Somalian Elephant Series had expanded to include multiple fractional weights, 1 oz coins, and larger coins in both silver and gold, with a platinum option also available.

Initially, the Somalian Silver Elephant coins had a face value of 1,000 Shillings and contained 1 troy ounce of .999 pure silver. In the mid-2000s, the face value of the 1 oz coin was reduced to 100 Shillings. As of 2016, the coins boast an upgraded purity of .9999 silver.

2017 Expansion of Somalian Silver Elephants

The 2017 expansion introduced a wide range of fractional weights, including:

• 1/10 oz
• 1/4 oz
• 1/2 oz
• 2 oz
• 5 oz
• 10 oz
  
  

Before this expansion, coins were typically available as 1 oz and 1 Kilo options. Proof coins and collector sets, including three- and four-coin limited editions, remain highly prized. DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS purchases both bullion and collectible Somalian Silver Elephants with expert evaluation and fast payment.

Design of the Somalian Silver Elephants

The Somalian Elephant Series is notable for its rotating design on one side, placing it alongside iconic coins like the Chinese Panda and the Perth Mint’s silver bullion coins from Australia. For the Somalian Silver Elephants, the obverse features a new African elephant design each year. Since the series’ inception in 1999 with the Zambian coins, the Bavarian State Mint has only repeated a design once, in 2010, when the 2009 design was reused.

The obverse consistently showcases an African elephant. Recent releases have alternated between depicting a single elephant and groups, sometimes showing an entire herd with a bull, mother, and calf, while others feature just a mother and her young. The backgrounds often portray scenes from the African savanna, adding depth and context to the design.

The reverse of each coin remains consistent annually. At the center is Somalia’s coat of arms, featuring a shield with three pointed tops, each marked with a cross. The shield’s background displays horizontal lines with a single flag at the center. Flanking the shield are leopards, standing atop crossed spears, which are accented by fern leaves and a ribbon draped across the bottom.

Engravings on the reverse include “Somali Republic,” the year of issue, split with two digits on either side of the shield, and the coin’s face value. For the standard 1 oz silver coin, this value is 100 Shillings. The obverse inscriptions include “African Wildlife,” “Elephant,” and details of the coin’s weight, metal content, and purity.

Availability and Packaging of Somalian Silver Elephants

From 2004 to 2013, the Bavarian State Mint generally set mintage limits for the Somalian Silver Elephant silver bullion coins. Early issues from 2004 to 2008 were each limited to just 5,000 coins. Due to increased silver demand during the Great Recession, the mint raised the cap in 2009 to 13,000 coins, with the highest recorded mintage occurring in 2011 at 170,000 coins. Since then, production has typically been adjusted to meet market demand rather than adhering to strict limits.

Collectors purchasing Proof Somalian Silver Elephants or other special editions can expect their coins to arrive in a protective display case. Proof coins often come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Special variations, including gilded or colorized coins, are presented in commemorative display boxes and may include a Certificate of Authenticity.

Bullion coins are generally shipped in protective capsules or flips. Depending on the weight, the packaging options are as follows:

• 1/10 oz coins – protective flips or tubes of 50 coins
• 1/4 oz coins – protective flips or tubes of 25 coins
• 1/2 oz coins – protective flips or tubes of 25 coins
• 1 oz coins – protective plastic, tubes of 20 coins, or Monster Boxes of 500 coins (25 tubes)
• 2 oz coins – protective capsule
• 5 oz coins – protective packaging or Monster Boxes of 50 coins
• 10 oz coins – protective capsules
• 1 kilo coins – protective plastic capsules

Variations of the Somalian Silver Elephant Bullion Coins

The Somalian Silver Elephant is renowned for its diversity, extending well beyond the eight available bullion weights. Each year, the series introduces unique variations that appeal to collectors:

• Gilded Elephants: These coins feature a thin layer of 24-karat gold applied to that year’s elephant design. While the gold does not significantly alter the coin’s intrinsic metal value, it enhances collectible appeal and adds visual brilliance.
  
  
• Colorized Elephants: Vibrant lacquers bring the African elephant and its savanna environment to life on the obverse, creating a striking and colorful design.
  
  
• Day/Night Sets: Offered in very low mintage, these sets include two colorized coins: one depicting the scene in daytime colors, and the other in muted tones representing night, complete with a moon, dark skies, and twinkling stars.
  
  
• Antique Finish: The Antique Silver Elephant features a special polish that accentuates the intricate details of the design while giving the coin a classic, old-world appearance.
  
  
• High Relief: Proof Silver Elephants are often struck in high relief, creating sunken surfaces and a stunning three-dimensional effect that enhances the African elephant artwork.
  
  
• Lunar Privy Silver Elephants: Following the trend of other major mints, the Bavarian State Mint adds lunar-themed privy marks to certain issues, corresponding to the Chinese zodiac animal for that year. Examples include the 2013 Lunar Snake with a cobra privy, the 2017 Lunar Rooster, and the 2018 Lunar Dog featuring a German shepherd’s head.
  
  
• Commemorative Privy Mark Silver Elephants: Some issues feature one-time privy marks to celebrate special occasions. For example, the 2015 Silver Elephant, with a mintage of just 2,100 coins, featured a privy of Chicago’s Willis Tower to commemorate the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money.

Sell the Silver Elephant to DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS

The Somalian Silver Elephant is a rare and historic bullion coin. At DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS, we purchase these coins directly from collectors and investors, offering fast, 100% guaranteed cash transactions and professional appraisal services.

For questions or to sell your Somalian Silver Elephant, contact us at  + (702) 460-5188, or by email.

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