Coin South Africa 1 Krugerrand - Silver 2025 - SS Tilawa 1942

The 2025 Silver Krugerrand coin is struck from one troy ounce of fine silver, with a fineness of 0.999. This edition is distinguished by the addition of a distinctive mark, the "privy mark," commemorating the SS Tilawa, a ship sunk in 1942. The coin's diameter is approximately 38.7 millimeters, and its thickness is comparable to other classic silver Krugerrand coins, at around 2.8 millimeters. The fine silver weight is 31.1 grams.

The design of this coin retains the iconic elements of the Krugerrand series. The obverse features the portrait of Paul Kruger, an influential historical figure in South Africa. The reverse depicts the springbok antelope, a South African national symbol, along with the year of issue, 2025, and the indication of the silver weight. The unique feature of this edition is the discreet addition of the privy mark "SS Tilawa 1942" on the reverse. This marking pays tribute to the history of the ship of the same name, which transported a significant amount of silver.

The SS Tilawa, a British ship of the British India Steam Navigation Company, was sunk on November 23, 1942, in the Indian Ocean. At the time of its sinking, it was carrying over 60 tons of silver, intended for financial operations related to the war effort. Torpedoed by a Japanese submarine, the ship sank rapidly, resulting in the loss of many lives and its valuable cargo. The wreck of the SS Tilawa has been located, and some of the silver has been recovered, adding a historical dimension to this special edition of the Krugerrand.