One of the longer running series in Scottsdale Mint’s copious range of bullion coins, the African Leopard debuted in 2017 with a silver coin, and has been issued annually ever since. In 2020, a gold variant was added to the range, also an ounce in weight, and in 2022, the African Leopard title was seemingly dropped in favour of Ghana Leopard, bringing the title more in line with much of Scottsdale’s range.

The designs over the years have varied from neat (2019) to distinctly average (2021), but last year saw an uptick in quality, which we’re pleased to say has been more than maintained for the 2023 issue. It’s a simple portrait, but it exhibits an accurate and aesthetically pleasing look. There’s an unusual pattern in the background, perhaps symbolising the grassland/forest the leopard calls home.

The obverse has changed a little, keeping the leopard-skin pattern and the border, but switching out the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II with the national coat-of-arms of Ghana. That isn’t surprising given this is a 2023 issue, which was a monarch changeover period. We may see King Charles II on the 2024 release, or they may simply stay with this.

The gold variant has a mintage of just 100 units, and comes boxed with a certificate. The silver tops out at 10,000 pieces, and is encapsulated, with packs of five mounted to a card. Alpha Strike coins, those struck early for the best definition, are supplied in Scottsdale Mint’s ‘Certi-Lock’ packaging, and just 249 will be offered. All should be available to order from today.