Somali Silver Elephant
Looking for a silver bullion coin off the beaten path? Look no further than the Somalia Silver Elephant – legal tender in the Nation of Somalia but minted by the venerable Bavarian State Mint. A beautiful specimen of 99.9% pure silver, the Somali Elephant offers an investment-grade coin with a rarity that surpasses other well-known foreign silver bullion.
Front/Obverse
The obverse features two leopards supporting a shield. Each leopard supports a foot on a pair of crossing lances, intertwined with a ribbon and framed by two crossing palm fronds. The coin reads "SOMALI REPUBLIC," the date of mint and the currency denomination.
Rear/Reverse
Each year, the coin features a different rendering of elephants in their natural savannah habitat. In 2016 the reverse featured a majestic elephant towering next to a grove of trees and below the sun. The depiction is surrounded by "AFRICAN WILDLIFE," "ELEPHANT," and the coin's weight and purity of .999 silver.
Brief History
This bullion coin for the Nation of Somalia is produced by the world-renowned Bavarian State Mint, which has been producing coins since 1158. The Somali Elephant has grown in popularity as a silver bullion investment coin since its inception in 2001. The original annual production rate was set 5,000, but mintage has grown to 130,000 per year.
Coin Facts
- Mint: Bavarian State Mint
- Type: Bullion (Investment), uncirculated brilliant
- Mintage: Minted annually since 2004
- Silver Content: 0.999 Fine Silver
- Diameter: 39 mm in diameter (1.535 in.)
- Thickness: 3 mm in thickness (0.1181 in.)
- Weight: 1 kilo and 1 oz troy ounce
- Face Value: 2000 Shillings and 100 Shillings
- Coin Highlights:
- Official bullion coin of the sovereign government of Somalia
- offered in as a 1 kilogram coin, and a 1 troy ounce coin
- Offered in Brilliant Uncirculated condition
- Design of the reverse is different each year
- Qualifies for most self-direct precious metal IRAs
Why Buy?
The Somali Silver Elephant is a wonderful coin to diversify your IRA-eligible silver bullion holdings. It's an unusual and beautiful specimen of foreign silver bullion that holds the weight and status of being minted by one of the world's most venerable mints. The Elephant also offers two denominations that meet the needs of any investor. Coins can be purchased individually, in multiples of 20, or as multiples of 500 in strapped monster boxes from the Bavarian State Mint.
The changing design of the Somali Elephant and the fairly low mint numbers, combined with the quality of craftsmanship expected from the Bavarian State Mint, make the Somali Silver Elephant a wonderful foreign silver coin for both investors and collectors. View Provident Metals’ extensive collection of silver coins, including the Somali Elephant, or learn more about investing in silver.