2017 Somali Elephant coin debuts in a vast range of gold and silver sizes
After a quick look a couple of days ago via some coloured third-party variants, the main range of the Bavarian State Mint’s Somalia Elephant series of bullion coins is now available to pre-order. One of the most popular bullion coins of recent years, if not in the numbers enjoyed by the American Eagles, Austrian Philharmonics and Canadian Maples, these are well liked for their design and choice of sizes.
It’s on that latter point that the range has surprised this year. There are eight silver sizes available from a kilo (1000 grams) down to just over 3 grams. It’s a huge selection and all the popular bigger sizes are being struck, although how much demand there is for a 1/10th ounce of silver we’re not so sure.
Gold is even better served if indeed there is to be a 1 kg size, with nine weights available. Again, there’s something for everyone, especially at the smaller end. That makes more sense with gold given the vastly higher spot price for the yellow metal, but even so we’re not sure of the need for a 1/50th oz (0.62 g) coin and a 0.5 g minigold. It’s doubly odd when they share a diameter as well. The minigold is likely a proof and the former a bullion coin, but even so the 1/50th seems unnecessary given the other choices. All the other choices are filled perfectly unless you’re after a 10 kg version. We’re going to assume you’re not…
The design is new, which is great, particularly since it’s a fine one. There have been some mildly tweaked and even rehashed designs in latter years so it’s good to see something all new and done so well. The silver coins will be available singly, either in capsules or plastic sleeves depending on the dealer, and the usual tubes and monster boxes for bigger quants. The gold coins are packaged the same in single form. Premiums tend to be a little higher than the Maples and Kangaroos, but not excessively so. Available over the next few weeks we believe, some of the mintage information will be clarified shortly, so regard as preliminary for the moment.
SILVER COIN (10 oz)
SILVER RANGE SPECIFICATIONS
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | WEIGHT | DIAMETER | FINISH | MINTAGE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 SHILLINGS | 0.9999 SILVER | 1,000 g | 100.3 mm | B/UNC | UNLTD |
| 1000 SHILLINGS | 0.9999 SILVER | 311.1 g | 75.0 mm | B/UNC | UNLTD |
| 500 SHILLINGS | 0.9999 SILVER | 155.5 g | 65.0 mm | B/UNC | UNLTD |
| 200 SHILLINGS | 0.9999 SILVER | 62.2 g | 51.0 mm | B/UNC | UNLTD |
| 200 SHILLINGS | 0.9999 SILVER | 31.1 g | 39.0 mm | B/UNC | UNLTD |
| 50 SHILLINGS | 0.9999 SILVER | 15.5 g | 33.0 mm | B/UNC | UNLTD |
| 50 SHILLINGS | 0.9999 SILVER | 7.78 g | 29.0 mm | B/UNC | UNLTD |
| 10 SHILLINGS | 0.9999 SILVER | 3.11 g | 20.0 mm | B/UNC | UNLTD |
ADVERTISEMENTS
GOLD COIN (1 oz)
GOLD RANGE SPECIFICATION
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | WEIGHT | DIAMETER | FINISH | MINTAGE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5000 SHILLINGS | 0.9999 GOLD | 1,000 g | 100.0 mm | PROOF | 12 |
| 1500 SHILLINGS | 0.9999 GOLD | 155.5 g | 65.0 mm | PROOF | 50 |
| 1000 SHILLINGS | 0.9999 GOLD | 31.1 g | 39.0 mm | B/UNC | UNLTD |
| 500 SHILLINGS | 0.9999 GOLD | 15.5 g | 33.0 mm | B/UNC | UNLTD |
| 200 SHILLINGS | 0.9999 GOLD | 7.78 g | 26.0 mm | B/UNC | UNLTD |
| 100 SHILLINGS | 0.9999 GOLD | 3.11 g | 20.0 mm | B/UNC | UNLTD |
| 50 SHILLINGS | 0.9999 GOLD | 1.24 g | 14.0 mm | B/UNC | UNLTD |
| 20 SHILLINGS | 0.9999 GOLD | 0.62 g | 11.0 mm | BU PROOFLIKE | 5,000 |
| 20 SHILLINGS | 0.9999 GOLD | 0.5 g | 11.0 mm | PROOF | 5,000 |
Information in RED is to be confirmed
Very nice silver bullion series….. but sadly very prone to milk spotting & stains in the last few years.
You can’t place any faith in them not spotting.
The last straw for me was when my Somalia proofs also started to spot.
I won’t go near any of the range anymore.
Good luck to anyone who goes for the new 10oz.
I hope they can get it for spot price because that is all it will ever be worth, if they stay to form.
Spotting seems to be an increasing problem on silver bullion especially, but there’s absolutely no excuse for proof coins to do so. Very frustrating.
I really like these. I used to love them, but they aren’t quite the same quality as they used to be. I’m now preferring and see more upside to the Silverback Gorilla coins that Scottsdale is putting out. The strike is like proof!
This being said, I’ll probably pick some of these 2017’s up and see them in person.
Hi Mik. Don in Arizona. First to comment on collecting coins made by Scottsdale for other countries. Stay away and if you don’t like the Elephants look at the Perth mint. I buy some Elephants each year but it’s time for them to place a limit on the mintage. I’m not a big fan of their privies either. Mik. What is the final mintage on the 2016 Elephants?
Don AZ
Stay away from Scottsdale mint? That’s it?! Interested to know more on why you say that. I would make a guess you actually live in Scottsdale AZ, yes? So i’m wondering are you an ex employee, or you have friends who are? I guess what i’m asking is it a personal reason or one based on solid coin related reasons. You say to stay away from collecting “coins made by Scottsdale for other countries” as if that’s a negative thing they are doing. Mints all over the world do this, including the mint who issue the Somalia elephant you like.