Zambia Elephant

The first silver coins featuring elephants were produced in 1999, but done so through the authorization of Zambia. It would not be until 2004 when the Somalian Elephant would make its debut on the world stage. Because the Bavarian State Mint in Munich has continued to produce these silver coins since their initial introduction, sometimes you will hear them referred to as the Zambian Elephant instead. Zambia issued the first five coins of the series from 1999 through 2003.

The Zambian Elephant features .999 quality fine silver and are considered to be legal tender in Zambia with a face value of 5000 Kwacha. Minted in Germany on behalf of Zambia, this silver coin is produced as part of the African Wildlife Series. This means a new design is struck on the reverse side of the coin each year, although elephants are consistently featured with prominence.

Most of the silver coins produced in the African Wildlife Series are made in BU condition. You will find, however, that there are numerous other collectible options that are struck at the mint every year, such as proof and colorized versions.

Silver Bullion Mintage

Design

Obverse: The obverse of the coin features a new elephant design every year. Most designs feature elephant herds exploring the Somalian vistas that include grasslands and a sunrise or a sunset, but some feature a striking single bull elephant as well. The phrases “AFRICAN WILDLIFE” and “ELEPHANT” are inscribed on the outer rim , as is the weight and purity of the silver "1 OZ AG 999".

Reverse: The reverse side of the coins features the image of Queen Elizabeth II for the last time in the African Elephant Series. The right-profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II was created by Ian Rank-Broadley in 1998. Above the effigy is inscribed "BANK OF ZAMBIA" while the date is separated by the image with two digits to the left and two to the right. The coat of arms for Zambia is located beneath the central image. It splits the denomination with "5000" to the left and "KWACHA" to the right.