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Inventory:
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- Product ID: 54097
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| Metal/Chg | Bid | Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Updated: 05/01/25 07:29:02 | ||
Silver
-0.53
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$32.00 | $32.33 |
The Somalia 1 oz Silver Elephant 2024 is the latest release in the popular African Wildlife Series, a collection that has captivated silver bullion collectors around the world since its inception. Initially launched in 1999 under the name Zambia African Wildlife, the series transitioned to Somali Republic coinage in 2004 and has continued annually with a new elephant design each year. The 2024 issue continues this tradition, offering a stunning depiction of one of Africa’s most revered and majestic creatures: the African elephant. Issued as legal tender by the Somali Republic and struck by the Bavarian State Mint in Germany, the coin represents a collaboration that bridges Africa’s natural heritage with European minting precision. It stands as both a vehicle for silver investment and a work of numismatic art, admired for its design, purity, and collectibility.
The obverse of the 2024 Silver Elephant features the official coat of arms of the Somali Republic, rendered in fine detail. Two leopards support a shield that bears a five-pointed star, and beneath them are two crossed spears and two crossed palm fronds. This emblematic design is surrounded by the inscriptions “SOMALI REPUBLIC” across the top, and the year “2024” split to either side of the crest. Below the shield is the coin’s denomination of “100 SHILLINGS,” denoting its status as legal tender. Though the coin is not typically used in everyday Somali commerce, this denomination adds official status and enhances its international recognition. The clean execution and classic heraldic styling of the obverse lend it a formal, nationalistic presence, balancing the natural theme of the reverse.
The reverse design of the 2024 coin is the centerpiece of its artistic and numismatic appeal, featuring a breathtaking new portrayal of the African elephant. Each year, the reverse changes, and 2024 introduces a detailed scene depicting a large elephant bull with massive, curving tusks walking through a savanna setting. The elephant’s wrinkled skin, ears, and trunk are all intricately sculpted to reflect lifelike texture and movement. Behind the animal, acacia trees and a distant horizon create a sense of space and habitat, placing the creature firmly within its native environment. The upper rim bears the inscriptions “AFRICAN WILDLIFE” and “ELEPHANT,” while the bottom features “1 oz Ag 999.9,” indicating the coin’s weight and its high purity of 99.99% fine silver. The changing reverse design, always centered on the elephant, keeps the series fresh and engaging for long-term collectors.
Struck by the Bavarian State Mint (Bayerisches Hauptmünzamt) in Munich, the Somalia Silver Elephant coins benefit from Germany’s long-standing minting tradition and high production standards. Founded in 1158, the Bavarian State Mint is one of the oldest operating mints in the world and is known for its precision in both bullion and commemorative coinage. The 2024 Silver Elephant exemplifies this quality, showcasing meticulous detail in both the elephant motif and national emblem. The coin’s diameter of 39 millimeters and reeded edge provide a substantial surface area that enhances the clarity of the design. With sharp relief, polished fields, and frosted devices, the 2024 edition maintains the elevated aesthetic and quality expected of the African Wildlife Series, appealing equally to investors and artistic coin collectors.
The mintage of the 2024 Somalia 1 oz Silver Elephant is determined based on market demand rather than being fixed at the start of production. In recent years, typical mintages for the one-ounce silver version have ranged between 30,000 and 100,000 coins, depending on the global bullion market and collector interest. Because each year's design is unique, earlier issues in the series have seen significant appreciation in value, especially those with lower mintages or especially striking designs. Collectors often seek to complete full date sets, and the annual changes in design make each edition distinct, fostering continued enthusiasm. The 2024 edition, with its high silver content and appealing wildlife scene, is expected to follow in this tradition of steady demand and long-term appreciation.
The condition of the 2024 Silver Elephant is Brilliant Uncirculated (BU), meaning it was struck with normal dies on specially prepared planchets and has not been circulated or exposed to wear. BU coins typically display a bright finish, full strike, and minimal contact marks, although minor imperfections from the minting and packaging process may be present. The Bavarian State Mint takes care to produce these coins to a high standard of consistency, and when properly handled or encapsulated, they retain their visual appeal indefinitely. Many collectors and investors choose to store their BU Elephants in protective capsules or slabs to preserve their quality and ensure long-term marketability. When housed in original mint packaging or third-party certified holders, BU specimens retain strong eye appeal and are ideal for both display and investment portfolios.
The appeal of the Somalia Silver Elephant extends beyond its bullion value, thanks to its thematic focus on wildlife and its rich artistic treatment. The elephant is one of the most revered and symbolic animals in African culture, representing wisdom, strength, memory, and leadership. Its status as a keystone species within the ecosystem and its endangerment due to poaching and habitat loss add deeper meaning to the coin’s imagery. By featuring a new design annually, the series maintains cultural and environmental relevance, while also serving as a platform for artistic innovation. Collectors of world coins and wildlife-themed bullion are particularly drawn to the Silver Elephant for these reasons, seeing it not only as a store of value but also as a statement of ecological and aesthetic appreciation.
For investors, the 2024 Silver Elephant offers a high-purity, globally recognized bullion coin with strong liquidity and a track record of stable demand. Its 99.99% fine silver content makes it one of the purest government-issued silver coins on the market, and its one-ounce weight allows for ease of storage, valuation, and resale. Unlike many bullion coins that feature static designs, the annual redesign of the Elephant series can command premium interest on the secondary market. This blend of investment security and collector interest gives the coin a unique position within the broader silver bullion landscape. Additionally, the coin’s legal tender status and production by a major European mint further enhance its credibility and tradability.
The 2024 Somalia 1 oz Silver Elephant represents the best elements of modern bullion coinage: exceptional purity, dynamic design, trusted minting, and collectible appeal. Whether added to a growing set of African Wildlife coins or acquired as a stand-alone investment piece, the 2024 edition captures the grandeur of the African elephant with artistic grace and technical precision. Its role as a continuation of a long-running and beloved series, paired with the high standards of the Bavarian State Mint, ensures its status as a premier offering for both collectors and silver investors. As global appreciation for wildlife-themed numismatics continues to rise, the 2024 Silver Elephant is poised to remain a standout example of how fine silver coinage can blend beauty, symbolism, and intrinsic value.