SA’s oldest coin maker has launched its first collection of high-relief coins based on Dylan Lewis artworks, inspired by the cheetah!
South Africa (28 May 2026) – The South African Mint has launched its first high-relief coin collection, called The African Range.
‘High-relief’ essentially means the designs are deeply carved into the coin and raised, creating a 3D sculptural artwork.
The SA Mint says the collection celebrates world-class craftsmanship that brings cultural and artistic value to the coin world.
“Our ambition was to create a flagship collection that reflects Africa’s natural beauty, craftsmanship, and artistic excellence on a global stage.” says Richard Stone, the product development manager at the South African Mint.
The designs for the new collection are based on existing sculptures made by Dylan Lewis, an internationally acclaimed South African artist whose incredible artwork has been shown off in London, Paris, and New York.
Rewriting Lewis’ wildlife sculptures into tiny, high-relief coins took months of detailed and careful work.
For the very first release in the new range, the team chose to focus on the cheetah, Africa’s icon of of speed, focus, 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.
On the back (reverse) side of the coin is a detailed design of a cheetah standing poised and scanning its surroundings. On the front (obverse) side, there is a close-up profile of the cheetah’s face, creating a look that will tie the whole series together.
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The South African Mint is the leading manufacturer of legal tender, bullion, and rare collectible coins on the African continent, with over 120 years in the industry. They are a wholly-owned subsidiary of the South African Reserve Bank.
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