The South African Mint has launched its “first-ever high-relief coin range”, The African Range.
In a statement, it described the range as a “celebration of world-class craftsmanship”, adding that The African Range redefines the boundaries of numismatics, transforming the coin from a traditional medium into a sculptural work of enduring cultural and artistic significance.
“This is one of the most exciting products we have introduced in recent decades,” said Richard Stone, product development manager at the South African Mint.
“Our ambition was to create a flagship collection that reflects Africa’s natural beauty, craftsmanship, and artistic excellence on a global stage.”
According to Stone, unlike conventional coin design processes, which typically begin with a flat drawing before progressing through modelling, scanning, and engraving, The African Range represents a bold departure.
“These designs were modelled after existing sculptures by internationally acclaimed South African artist Dylan Lewis, renowned for his evocative wildlife works exhibited in cities such as London, Paris, and New York.”
Stone said translating these sculptures into high-relief coin form demanded months of meticulous refinement. “It was a profound responsibility to reinterpret an existing sculpture into a new medium,” Stone explained.
The debut release in The African Range focuses on the cheetah—an icon of speed, precision, and instinct.
“The collection unfolds as a five-coin narrative, capturing the stages of the hunt: from watchful surveying and stealthy stalking to the explosive chase, decisive capture, and final repose,” the statement said.
The reverse design portrays the cheetah in a poised, surveying stance, rendered in striking high relief to achieve exceptional depth, detail, and sculptural presence.
The obverse features a refined, cropped profile of the animal, creating a dynamic and powerful visual construct across the series.
“This is a project of enduring value. It is a story-driven series that invites collectors to embark on a journey unfolding over five years and potentially beyond.
“It celebrates African wildlife and artistic excellence and offers a truly exceptional South African product to collectors worldwide,” Stone said.
This story was originally published on Algoafm. Read the original article here.
