We’ve seen a huge uptick in interest for the humble cast silver bar of late, headlined by Germania Mints new Goddesses (and now Gods) ranges, and while it isn’t usually our thing to cover here (we have to draw a line somewhere), these bars have much artistic merit, and fit into themes common in the coin world. It seems that two-ounces is the sweet spot, and that’s the one chosen by the Royal Kraków Mint for the first in their Big Five of Africa range.

We’ve covered the Big Five several times in the past, but for those unaware, these are five animals considered the deadliest to hunt in the wild. In Africa, that line-up is the Rhinoceros, the Cape Buffalo, the Leopard, the Elephant, and the Lion. It is that last magnificent beast that adorns the first of RKM’s new bar series. It’s a classic portrait of the lion looking imperious, with a view of the savannah, including the iconic baobab tree, below it. The bars’ composition sits at the bottom over a tribal pattern. Very nice.

Each bar, of which there will be 500, has a serial number engraved on the back, and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, all packaged up in one of those small black cardboard boxes. Overall, a fine debut, featuring a popular subject, a set series length, and with a nice tight mintage. Available to order now.