South Africa: springbok design sketches by Coert Steynberg

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South Africa, 5 shillings, 1948.  Springbok.  Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

In 1948 South Africa issued its first coin to depict a springbok.

The reverse design featured a springbok.

The design was the work of Coert Steynberg of the South African Mint.

It subsequently appeared on later coins of other denominations.

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Springbok sketches by Coert Steynberg. Image copyright of the South African Mint.

Above you see the original sketches by Coert Steynberg. He eventually decided on the design shown at the far left.

The springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) is a type of antelope. It is South Africa's official national animal. 


The design shown at the far right shows the animal engaging in an activity called pronking.

One definition of pronking reads:

to leap in the air with an arched back and stiff legs, typically as a form of display or when threatened.

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This same design was eventually used on other South African denominations.

See: South Africa: design continuity.

[Figleaf]

Pronking: likely from the Dutch verb pronken - to flaunt.

Peter

[squarecoinman]

all 15 designs in one place I did try to upload the pictures but could not so just watch the video

[<k>]

Excellent work, squarecoinman! I'm busy viewing your YouTube channel. I will comment later.

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Design number 4.



Design number 14.

I do think that the issued design was the best choice.


However, for me a very close second was number 4.

I really like the way it hugs the circular shape of the coin.


The more static number 14 is also interesting.

In my opinion, the designs with two animals do not work.

It was best to focus on one animal.

[squarecoinman]

Excellent work, squarecoinman! I'm busy viewing your YouTube channel. I will comment later. 

please leave a like and if possible subscribe , and let me know what design you think is the best after seeing all 15

[onecenter]

One my very favorite designs in world coins!

[squarecoinman]

One my very favorite designs in world coins!

Happy to hear that , it is also among my favourites