1 oz Cameroon Cheetah Silver Coin

Scottsdale Mint's Cameroon Cheetah Silver

The 1 oz Scottsdale Mint Cameroon Cheetah is a proof-like silver bullion coin featuring the fastest land animal, struck under licence from the Republic of Cameroon. First issued in 2019, the series combines .999 fine silver at one troy ounce with a proof-like finish that gives the coin a semi-mirrored appearance with frosted design details. This sits between a standard BU strike and a full proof, offering visual appeal without the higher premiums associated with proof-quality coins.

Scottsdale Mint is a private US mint based in Arizona, known for its lion hallmark and a range of sovereign-licensed bullion programmes. The Cameroon licensing arrangement is standard in the bullion industry: Cameroon's government authorises the coins as legal tender (denominated in CFA Francs), giving them sovereign status, while Scottsdale handles design, production, and international distribution. The coins carry a face value of 500 CFA Francs, the common currency of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), backed by the French Treasury.

With mintages of 25,000 per year for the 1 oz silver, the Cameroon Cheetah occupies the space between unlimited bullion (like the Silver Maple Leaf at millions per year) and tightly capped collector issues. This controlled production creates modest collector interest without pushing premiums into numismatic territory. The cheetah itself, classified as vulnerable by the IUCN with fewer than 7,000 remaining in the wild, brings a conservation angle to the series.

The design has evolved between releases: the 2019 edition features a cheetah at full stride sprinting with three stars, while the 2022 redesign shows a cheetah sitting atop a hill. The change in perspective between releases keeps the series visually fresh for collectors pursuing multiple years.

Cameroon Cheetah 1oz Silver Specifications

Gold Variants

Design Evolution

The series has undergone a significant design change between its first and second issues. The 2019 reverse features a cheetah at full sprint, capturing the animal's signature speed with an extended stride and three decorative stars in the field. The 2022 reverse shows a cheetah in repose, sitting atop a hill with its head turned, presenting the animal's spotted coat and alert posture. Both designs use a near-rimless or minimal-rim approach to maximise the visual impact of the animal imagery.

The obverse/reverse orientation has also shifted: the 2019 edition places the cheetah imagery on what was designated the obverse (with the Cameroon coat of arms on reverse), while the 2022 edition reverses this arrangement. The Scottsdale Mint lion hallmark appears on both versions alongside the national arms.

The 1/10 oz gold edition at only 1,000 mintage per year is among the lowest-production fractional gold coins available from any programme, making it a collector item that happens to contain gold rather than a standard bullion product.

Cameroon Cheetah Tax Position

The Cameroon Cheetah carries legal tender status from the Republic of Cameroon, denominated in CFA Francs. Cameroon is a member of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), and the CFA Franc is backed by the French Treasury. This sovereign status affects tax treatment in certain jurisdictions.

United States

The .999 silver purity meets the IRS Section 408(m) threshold for IRA-eligible silver (99.9%). However, individual custodian approval may be required as Scottsdale Mint products are not universally pre-approved on all custodian lists. Confirm with your specific IRA provider before purchasing for retirement accounts. State sales tax varies, with approximately 35 states exempting precious metals purchases.

United Kingdom

Silver coins attract 20% VAT on import or purchase. The legal tender status from Cameroon does not confer any UK tax advantage (only UK legal tender coins receive CGT exemption). Capital gains on disposal are subject to CGT at the individual's rate.

European Union

Silver is subject to local VAT rates. As a legal tender coin, it may qualify for margin scheme treatment in some EU jurisdictions (notably Germany's Differenzbesteuerung), potentially reducing the effective VAT to the dealer's margin rather than the full coin value. Gold versions (.9999 purity, legal tender) qualify for EU investment gold VAT exemption.

Canada and Australia

Silver at .999 purity exceeds Canada's 99.9% GST/HST exemption threshold. Australia's requirement of 99.9% for silver GST exemption is met at .999. Both countries apply their standard investment precious metals exemption.

Cameroon Cheetah vs Other Wildlife Silver

Versus the Somalia Elephant

The 1oz Somalia Elephant from the Bavarian State Mint is the dominant African wildlife silver coin, with much higher annual mintages (130,000+), longer history (since 1999/2004), and broader secondary market recognition. The Somalia Elephant typically trades at lower premiums due to higher supply. The Cameroon Cheetah offers lower mintages (25,000) and the Scottsdale Mint quality reputation, but cannot match the Somalia Elephant's market depth or collector following for older vintages.

Versus the South African Big 5

The 1oz Big 5 from the South African Mint features African wildlife with even lower mintages (10,000-15,000) and genuine sovereign mint backing from a G20 nation's central bank subsidiary. The Big 5's split-face design concept adds artistic distinction. The Cameroon Cheetah offers a lower price point than the Big 5, with Scottsdale's proof-like finish providing visual appeal that partially bridges the gap to the Big 5's numismatic positioning.

Versus Congo Silverback Gorilla (Scottsdale Mint)

The Congo Silverback Gorilla is a sister series from Scottsdale Mint using the same licensed-legal-tender model with a different African nation (Republic of Congo). Both share similar mintages, premium structures, and the Scottsdale quality standard. The choice between them is primarily aesthetic: cheetah versus gorilla. Collecting both provides African wildlife theme continuity within a single mint's product ecosystem.

Versus Sovereign Mint Bullion

For pure investment stacking, sovereign mint coins like the 1oz Silver Maple Leaf (.9999 purity, unlimited mintage, IRA pre-approved) or the 1oz Silver Britannia (CGT-exempt for UK buyers) offer lower premiums and better liquidity. The Cameroon Cheetah serves buyers who want wildlife-themed silver with collector potential at premiums between generic rounds and premium sovereign coins.