The most popular coin in any given series, over time, is usually the one produced during the first year of minting. For the Somalia Silver Elephant, 2004 marked the start of a coin series that is both perplexing in nature and highly sought after in the marketplace. Right now, you have a chance to purchase the 2004 1 oz Somalia Silver Elephant coin from JM Bullion in BU condition.
Coin Highlights:
- Only 5,000 coins were minted for 2004!
- Contains 1 oz of .999 pure silver.
- Bears a face value of 1,000 Shillings (Somalia).
- Features the first in a series of ever-changing designs.
- Produced at the Bavarian State Mint.
- Ships in a protective plastic flip.
- Protect your new investment with a 39mm Air-Tite Coin Holder.
Somalia Silver Elephant coins were originally introduced in 1999 for the nation of Zambia, but was transferred to the nation of Somalia in 2004 for the release of this particular coin. Since 2004, the Bavarian State Mint has produced the Somalia Elephant coin with a new reverse image each year.
Although the coins bear a face value of 1,000 Shillings, the legal-tender status of these coins is a contested issue. While the Bavarian State Mint claims to have authorization on file from a Somali official, the nation’s Central Bank chief argues otherwise. Regardless of that status, it is a highly sought-after coin.
When the Somalia Silver Elephant was first introduced, it had limited mintages and a face value of 1,000 Shillings. Modern Somalia Silver Elephants now have a face value of 100 Shillings, so the face value of this coin and its limited mintage (5,000 in total) make it a must-have item.
On the reverse face is the image of a single bull elephant marching through a tall thicket of brush. Surrounding the image are engravings that include “Elephant,” “African Wildlife,” and the coin’s weight, metal content, and purity.
The obverse features the Somali coat of arms, which includes two leopards holding up a shield that bears a single star set against a background of horizontal bars. The phrase “Somali Republic” is featured above, the year of minting split on either side of the coat of arms, and the face value below.
Germany’s Bavarian State Mint is one of five official sovereign mints in the country. It is a state-owned entity of the Free State of Bavaria, and was first opened in 1158.
If you have questions, please contact JM Bullion at 800-276-6508, or connect with us online using our live chat and email services. If you are looking for similar coins, be sure to check out our Somalia Silver Coins page.