Gold Coin Cheetah 1 oz Gold 2026 Proof High Relief

The Cheetah 1 oz Gold Coin 2026 Proof High Relief is the inaugural release in The African Range series, created by the South African Mint to showcase the most impressive animals of the African continent. The series is planned over five years and depicts the successive stages of a cheetah’s hunt: Survey, Stalk, Chase, Catch, and Repose. The 2026 issue presents the first stage of this story – Survey, the moment of careful observation of the surroundings before the chase begins.

The coin’s design is based on sculptures by renowned South African artist Dylan Lewis, whose works are celebrated for their remarkable ability to capture the character of wild animals. The use of the High Relief technique gives the composition exceptional depth and an almost sculptural quality, emphasizing the muscular form, dynamism, and elegance of one of Africa’s most fascinating predators.

The coin was struck from 1 ounce of pure gold, fineness Au 999.9, to the highest Proof minting standard. It has a diameter of 27 mm, and its worldwide mintage is limited to just 500 pieces. Each coin is offered in an elegant presentation case together with a numbered certificate of authenticity and an exclusive 28-page publication presenting the design and production process behind the series.

Obverse depicts a cheetah in a pose symbolizing the “Survey” stage, the moment of focused observation before the hunt begins. The design is complemented by the series name, denomination, and information regarding the coin’s weight and gold purity.

Reverse features a striking portrait of a cheetah inspired by Dylan Lewis’s sculpture “Cheetah Head.” The composition is further enhanced by the year of issue, 2026, and the issuing country’s name inscribed in two languages: “South Africa” and “Iningizimu Afrika.” Thanks to the use of high relief, the design impresses with exceptional dimensionality and richness of detail.