Silver Bullion Coin Programs from Rwanda
At DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS, we purchase Rwandan silver coins from collectors and investors looking to sell their precious metals. Rwanda has become known for its unique and collectible silver bullion coins, including the Rwandan Lunar Ounce, Nautical Ounce, and Wildlife Series. Each program offers distinctive designs and limited mintages, making these coins highly sought after in the collector and investor markets.
The Rwandan Lunar Ounce Series
Launched in 2017, the Rwandan Lunar Ounce Series is a modern lunar-themed coin collection. Each year, the program releases coins in both silver and gold, continuing through 2028 with the final release celebrating the Year of the Monkey.
The coins carry a face value in Rwandan Francs (FRW) and are available in three types: a 1 troy oz silver bullion coin, a 1 troy oz silver proof coin, and a 1 troy oz gold bullion coin. Mintage is extremely limited, with recent issues including just 1,000 silver proof coins and 188 gold bullion coins.
The 1 oz silver bullion coin is unique in offering unlimited mintage within its production year, which lasts until the end of the calendar year engraved on the coin. Collectors value the series for its lunar designs and rarity in proof and gold releases.
Designs and Packaging of Rwandan Lunar Ounce Coins
The reverse of Rwandan Lunar Ounce coins displays the official seal of the Republic of Rwanda, featuring tribal elements such as a small hut at the center. Inscriptions are in Kinyarwanda, the language of the Banyarwanda, and include “National Bank of Rwanda” along with the coin’s face value.
Each year features a new obverse image, all sharing a “shattered-glass” mosaic style composed of small tiles forming the overall design. Markings include “Lunar Ounce,” year of issue, weight, metal content, purity, and the Chinese zodiac symbol for that year. Annual designs include:
- 2017 – Year of the Rooster
- 2018 – Year of the Dog
- 2019 – Year of the Pig
- 2020 – Year of the Rat
- 2021 – Year of the Ox
- 2022 – Year of the Tiger
- 2023 – Year of the Rabbit
Silver bullion coins ship individually in plastic or in sheets of 10. Silver proof coins are housed in protective capsules and include a Certificate of Authenticity. Gold bullion coins also come in capsules with display boxes and Certificates of Authenticity for secure, collector-ready presentation.
Rwandan Nautical Ounce Series
Launched in 2017, the Rwandan Nautical Ounce Series celebrates the 525th anniversary of the European discovery of the Americas. While the continents were already inhabited by indigenous peoples for thousands of years, the date marks the encounter of diverse cultures and the beginning of European colonial influence in the New World.
The obverse of all Rwandan Nautical Ounce coins features consistent design elements. At the center is a traditional Rwandan basket flanked by native plants and warrior shields. Above the basket sits the sun, topped by a banner reading “Republika Y’u Rwanda.” Additional inscriptions indicate backing by the Central Bank of Rwanda and the coin’s face value in Rwandan Francs (RWF).
The reverse designs depict historically significant ships that influenced human history by altering continents, establishing trade routes, and shaping global exploration. The annual releases include:
- 2017 – Santa Maria
- 2018 – HMS Endeavour
- 2019 – Victoria
- 2020 – Mayflower
- 2021 – Sedov
- 2022 – USS Constitution
Details and Packaging of Rwandan Nautical Ounce Coins
All Rwandan Nautical Ounce coins contain 1 troy oz of .999 pure silver and do not have fixed mintage figures. However, coins are struck only for a limited production period, resulting in relatively low overall mintage compared to other silver bullion coins. Silver bullion coins are available individually in plastic wraps or sheets of 10.
The series also includes proof coins with a highly limited mintage of just 1,000 silver coins. Proof coins are housed in protective capsules and come with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
Starting in 2020, the Rwandan Nautical Ounce series introduced an antique silver option. These coins feature a special finish and are extremely limited, with only 1,000 coins issued, adding another collectible option for silver enthusiasts.
Rwandan Wildlife Series
Like other animal-themed bullion and proof coin programs, the Rwandan Wildlife Series celebrates the beauty of Africa’s animal kingdom. Although the series name suggests all creatures are native to Rwanda, the animals featured represent species from across the African continent, with some residing within Rwanda’s borders.
Launched in 2008 by BH Mayer at the Kunstprägeanstalt GmbH mint in Munich, Germany, the series maintains consistent features each year, while the obverse design remains the same across all releases.
Designs in the Rwandan Wildlife Series
Each year, a new animal appears on the reverse, with the rugged outline of Africa as a common design element. Engravings include the year of issue, weight, metal content, purity, and the phrase “African Ounce.” The inaugural 2008 Rwandan Gorilla Coin featured a male silverback, a female, and a young gorilla among tall grass. Subsequent releases include:
- 2009 – Rwandan Elephant Silver Coin
- 2010 – Rwandan Lion Silver Coin
- 2011 – Rwandan Zebra Coin
- 2012 – Rwandan Rhino Silver Coin
- 2013 – Rwandan African Cheetah Coin
- 2014 – Rwandan Impala Silver Coin
- 2015 – Rwandan Buffalo Silver Coin
- 2016 – Rwandan Meerkat Silver Coin
- 2017 – Rwandan Hippo Silver Coin
- 2018 – Rwandan Giraffe Silver Coin
- 2019 – Rwandan Shoebill Silver Coin
- 2020 – Rwandan Bushbaby
- 2021 – Rwandan Okapi
- 2022 – Rwandan Pelican
- 2023 – Rwandan Nile Crocodile
All coins in the series contain 1 troy oz of .999 pure silver and carry a face value of 50 RWF. The obverse displays Rwanda’s coat of arms, with inscriptions in the local language of a native tribe that has resided in Rwanda for centuries.
Availability of Rwandan Wildlife Series Silver Coins
Rwandan Wildlife Series coins are released annually in very limited quantities. BH Mayer deliberately keeps original mintage low to preserve the coins’ value. As the series’ popularity has grown, demand frequently exceeds supply, enhancing the appeal and collectibility for investors and collectors alike.
Each year, the series is available in both bullion and proof versions. Bullion coins are generally easier to acquire, while proof coins are typically limited to about 1,000 pieces worldwide. Bullion coins can be graded by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation or Professional Coin Grading Service, with options including Brilliant Uncirculated and Mint State 70 conditions.
History of the Mint
BH Mayer Mint, also known as Mayer Mint GmbH, Germany, was established in 1871, making it one of the longest-standing private mints in Europe. Unlike Germany’s sovereign mints, Mayer Mint is a family-owned business run by five generations. The mint is renowned for producing coins with exceptional quality and intricate, finely detailed designs.
Sell Your Rwandan Silver Bullion Coins to DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS
At DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS, we purchase Rwandan silver coins directly from collectors and investors. Our team offers fast, secure, and competitive valuations for all coins, including Lunar Ounce, Nautical Ounce, and Wildlife Series coins. Contact our team via email or call + (702) 460-5188 to get a professional evaluation.
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Customer satisfaction is a priority at DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS. We provide transparent and secure purchases, with testimonials from collectors highlighting our commitment to fair pricing and excellent service.
