2025 Rand 1oz Silver, SS Tilawa Privy MS

Struck from silver recovered in 2017 from the SS Tilawa shipwreck, a ship lost to the sea in 1942 following its sinking by a Japanese submarine.

The SS Tilawa, a British India Steam Navigation Company ocean liner, was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine on November 23, 1942, in the Indian Ocean.  Often called the “Indian Titanic,” 280 people were killed and 60 tons of silver bullion sank to the ocean floor.  The silver bars had been purchased by what was then known as the Union of South Africa to be turned into silver coins.  The Shipwreck was discovered in 2014 and the silver bullion was recovered in a remarkable salvage operation in 2017.

After 80+ years the ship’s precious silver cargo has reached its final destination and struck into .999 fine coins by South Africa.  The 2025 silver Krugerrand bears a special SS Tilawa privy mark. a majestic image of the SS Tilawa, and below it states SS TILAWA 1942.  Only silver Krugerrand’s bearing this historic privy mark are made from the SS Tilawa’s silver bars.

Obverse Description

The effigy of Paul Kruger is depicted on the obverse.

Reverse Description

The reverse was originally designed and engraved by the famous sculptor, Coert Steynberg, and features one of South Africa’s national animals, a Springbok.

Source: Goldline.com