RSA 1 Rand 2016 Gold

The R1 (1/10oz) pure gold coin was re-introduced in 1997 as a commemorative coin. The theme South African Reptiles began in 2015 and featured the Nile crocodile. The Cape dwarf chameleon is depicted on the 2016 coin.

The Cape dwarf chameleon, Bradypodion pumilum, represents the lizards within the reptile series. Endemic to the southern part of the Western Cape, it is one of 15 described dwarf chameleons in the country. This small, viviparous lizard has come under intense pressure as its habitat has been transformed into urban areas and monoculture plantations.

On the R1 coin the chameleon is shown basking in the sun, while its eyes move independently from one another searching for prey and predators.