South African Mint launches high-relief African Range coin series

By AI, Created 8:16 AM UTC, June 01, 2026, /AGP/ – The South African Mint has introduced its first high-relief coin range, The African Range, with a debut cheetah collection modeled on Dylan Lewis sculptures. The limited-edition series blends fine art and numismatics across gold and silver proof coins and is set to roll out over five years and potentially beyond.

Why it matters: - The South African Mint is pushing beyond conventional coin design with its first high-relief range, aiming to turn collectible currency into sculptural art. - The launch gives collectors a new South African product built around African wildlife, craftsmanship and limited-edition appeal.

What happened: - The South African Mint launched The African Range on June 1, 2026 in Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa. - The mint is a wholly owned subsidiary of the South African Reserve Bank. - The debut release centers on the cheetah and is the first coin range from the mint designed in high relief. - The series was developed from existing sculptures by South African artist Dylan Lewis.

The details: - The five-coin narrative follows the stages of a hunt: surveying, stalking, chase, capture and repose. - The reverse shows a cheetah in a poised, surveying stance with deep sculptural relief. - The obverse uses a cropped profile of the animal to create a strong visual link across the series. - The proof coin range includes 24-carat gold coins in 1 kg, 5 oz, 2 oz, 1 oz and ¼ oz sizes. - The silver offering includes 1 kg, 5 oz and 2 oz proof coins. - The mint says the high-relief detail is maintained across all sizes, from ¼ oz to 1 kg. - The exclusive sculpture set pairs the 1 oz high-relief privy mark gold coin with a miniature sculpture based on the original Dylan Lewis work. - More information is available through the South African Mint website or by contacting the retail store at collectables@samint.co.za or +27 (0)12 677 2460/2482.

Between the lines: - The collection positions the South African Mint less as a producer of currency alone and more as a maker of collectible art objects. - Modeling the coins from an existing sculpture, rather than starting from a flat drawing, signals a more art-led and technically complex production process. - Richard Stone, product development manager at the South African Mint, said the company wanted a flagship collection that reflects Africa’s natural beauty, craftsmanship and artistic excellence on a global stage. - Stone also described the project as one with enduring value that could unfold over five years and potentially longer.

What’s next: - The South African Mint plans to develop The African Range as a multi-year story-driven series. - Future releases are expected to continue the wildlife theme and expand the collection beyond the initial cheetah issue. - The company is positioning the range for collectors worldwide.

The bottom line: - The African Range blends wildlife imagery, sculpture and precious metals into a premium collectible series meant to showcase South African design on an international stage.