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The Rwanda 1 Ounce Silver 50 Francs 2016 Meerkat BU coin is part of the celebrated "African Ounce" bullion series, a modern numismatic issue that blends exceptional purity with a distinctive design honoring the continent’s wildlife. First launched in 2008, the African Ounce series quickly became a favorite among bullion collectors for its low mintages, annually changing animal designs, and .999 fine silver content. The 2016 issue showcases the meerkat, a socially complex and intelligent creature native to southern Africa, and stands out for its artistic quality and limited production, making it a prized acquisition for collectors and investors alike.
As with other coins in the series, the 2016 Meerkat edition was authorized by the National Bank of Rwanda and produced in partnership with a private European mint—primarily the German firm BH Mayer. Though Rwanda has not had a functioning domestic minting facility for modern coins, the National Bank of Rwanda contracts with global minting experts to ensure the highest standards of quality and design. The coin carries a denomination of 50 Rwandan Francs, although its intrinsic silver value far exceeds its face value. As a legal tender issue, it is technically spendable within Rwanda but functions solely as a collectible and investment-grade bullion piece on the global market.
The obverse of the 2016 Meerkat coin presents an intricately rendered design of two meerkats, with one in a classic upright sentry pose and the other partially crouched nearby. Their sharp eyes, slender bodies, and distinctive fur markings are captured in remarkable detail, reflecting their natural alertness and group behavior. The background features a stylized map of Africa, with subtle geographic contours that give the continent a textured, almost topographic look. At the bottom left, the word “MEERKAT” appears in capital letters, identifying the subject of the coin, while the year “2016” is inscribed to the right. The inscription “AFRICAN OUNCE” arcs above the design, with “1 oz FINE SILVER 999” placed along the top rim. The clean, elegant layout of the obverse offers a striking fusion of modern engraving technology and natural subject matter.
The reverse of the coin displays the official coat of arms of Rwanda, a circular emblem that encapsulates national unity and progress. The coat of arms features a traditional basket, coffee and sorghum plants, and a cogwheel, all framed by a woven border with a sun rising above. Surrounding the central image are the inscriptions “BANKI NKURU Y’U RWANDA” (National Bank of Rwanda) and “AMAFARANGA 50 MIRONGO ITANU,” denoting the coin’s 50 Franc denomination. The reverse’s design is consistent across the African Ounce series, lending continuity and recognition to the collection while allowing the obverse to evolve each year with a new featured animal.
The coin is struck in brilliant uncirculated (BU) condition, meaning it is a high-quality bullion strike with no special proof finish but typically shows minimal handling or imperfections. The BU finish on the 2016 Meerkat coin highlights the contrast between the frosted animal relief and the mirrored background field. Though not proof, the finish is finely executed, delivering a level of detail and luster that rivals some premium collector pieces. Coins are typically delivered in protective capsules or sealed sheets to preserve this finish and prevent spotting or surface damage.
The Rwanda 2016 Meerkat 1 oz silver coin has a diameter of 40 mm and a standard weight of 31.1 grams (1 troy ounce). With a purity of .999 fine silver, the coin offers intrinsic value aligned with global silver bullion prices, making it a sound investment as well as a collector piece. The coin’s edge is reeded, and the high-relief strike provides a tactile feel that enhances the visibility of fine details. Its silver content, combined with its artistic value and limited production, places it among the more desirable modern wildlife bullion coins.
Exact mintage numbers for the 2016 Meerkat coin were never officially disclosed by the mint, a hallmark of the African Ounce series, which adds an element of scarcity and appeal to collectors. However, the general consensus within the numismatic community is that annual mintages typically range between 10,000 and 20,000 pieces worldwide. This relatively low figure, especially in comparison to major government-minted bullion programs like the American Silver Eagle, contributes significantly to the series’ collectibility and aftermarket demand. As older issues sell out and supplies tighten, premiums on these coins can increase over time.
Coins in brilliant uncirculated condition are expected to show sharp detailing with no wear on high points and minimal to no contact marks. The 2016 Meerkat BU, when properly stored, retains a clear strike and a bright, lustrous finish that underscores the quality of the production. Many of these coins are graded by third-party services like NGC or PCGS, with MS69 or MS70 grades indicating coins that are either near-perfect or flawless under magnification. Raw coins that remain in their original mint packaging often perform comparably if handled carefully and stored in dry, inert environments.
Collectors appreciate the Rwanda African Ounce series for its consistent thematic focus on African wildlife, with each year highlighting a new animal. The 2016 Meerkat edition is particularly appealing due to the animal’s charismatic appearance and its relative rarity in global coinage. Unlike lions, elephants, or giraffes, meerkats are seldom featured on numismatic pieces, making this issue a standout even within the African Ounce collection. Investors, meanwhile, are drawn to the coin’s pure silver content, trusted international minting origin, and strong market liquidity among world bullion products.
In conclusion, the Rwanda 1 Ounce Silver 50 Francs 2016 Meerkat BU is a stunning and memorable entry in the African Ounce bullion series. With its sharply engraved design, symbolic reverse, and .999 fine silver purity, it appeals to collectors, investors, and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Its brilliant uncirculated condition and limited mintage further enhance its desirability, while the annual theme of African fauna makes it part of an elegant, cohesive collection. Whether acquired as a single statement piece or as part of a full series set, the 2016 Meerkat remains one of the most captivating and collectible modern world bullion coins available today.