A new silver bullion coin offers a close look at a hefty animal, and when it comes to size, the coin is no slouch either.

The 2017 Water Buffalo silver 50-franc coin is issued by the Democratic Republic of the Congo in conjunction with the Scottsdale Mint. At 100 grams, it appears to be the world’s first silver bullion coin of this size. 

Connect with Coin World:  

Sign up for our free eNewsletter
Like us on Facebook  
Follow us on Twitter

Each example of the .999 fine silver coins contains 3.21 ounces of pure silver.

The obverse concave design depicts a detailed frontal view of the right half of a water buffalo’s face, showing one crescent-shaped horn and a ragged ear, and another herd member in the distance, on the horizon.

This coin features crisp, reeded edges and, on the reverse, a smooth river rock pattern embedded underneath the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s coat of arms along with the denomination of 50 FRANCS CFA.

The water buffalo, or Asian buffalo, as it’s often called, is the largest member of the Bovini tribe and has been domesticated for more than 5,000 years. Standing 5 to 6 feet tall, with long crescent-shaped horns and sparse gray-black coat, water buffalo are an integral part in humanity’s survival, providing meat, horns, hides, and power.

Water buffalo live in the tropical and subtropical forests of Asia. They are aptly named, for they spend most of their time in water. Their hooves are extra wide and prevent them from sinking into mud at the bottom of ponds, swamps and rivers. They can live in grasslands, savannas, swamps, lowland floodplains, mixed forest and glades, but they never roam farther than 12 miles from a body of water. Water buffalo are also widely regarded as very dangerous animals, as they have been reported to attack people in some situations. Protective of each other, they take great care of sick and old members of the herd, shielding them from predators.

The coins measure 38.6 millimeters in diameter and are 9.5 millimeters thick, about one-third of an inch. 

The complete mintage is limited to only 30,000 pieces. Single coins come in a protective plastic bag and a tube contains seven coins, for 22.5 ounces of pure silver. 

Scottsdale and bullion distributors offer the coin for purchase at prices about 15 to 20 percent above the precious metal or "spot" value, depending on quantity purchased and payment method.