
This large,
impressive
coin represents a tremendous value, struck in
pure
silver!
These new Series II Lunar Zodiac coins are huge - at 65.60 mm in
diameter they are nearly 3
inches across! This beauty is made all the more desirable
by
the Mint's execution of this intriguing
animal
motif
in pure
silver, artistically rendered in
striking,
vibrant hues! The Perth Mint refers to this as their
specimen
finish. It's much nicer than an ordinary silver coin
- the mirrored design is highlighted on frosted,
matte
fields (or
background). We would therefore refer to this as a "Reverse Proof" or
"Reverse
Proof-Like" finish. Between its size and the beauty of the finish, we
think
you'll be impressed with this affordable,
pure
silver dragon!
Availability
Note
- We have managed to acquire a few of these full color, hard to find,
yet affordable, silver dragons (sold out at the Mint and struck
exclusively with color for the Asian market). They never
last - get them
while you can!
Click here for more coins
featuring dragons!
The Year of
the Dragon - Most Powerful and Auspicious!
Centuries ago, the Chinese invented a calendar based on
the
lunar (rather than the solar) cycle. There are twelve animals in the
Chinese lunar zodiac, each corresponding in sequence to a year rather
than a month.
In 2012 we celebrate the
Year
of the Dragon.
According to tradition,
people born during a Year of the Rabbit (1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952,
1964,
1976, 1988, 2000, and 2012) are said to exhibit that animal’s
attributes. While Dragons frequently help others, rarely will they ask
for help. Others are attracted to Dragons, especially their colorful
personalities, but deep down, Dragons prefer to be alone. Perhaps that
is because they’re most successful when working alone. Their
preference to be alone can come across as arrogance or conceitedness,
but these qualities aren't applicable. Dragons have tempers that
can flare fast! They’re driven, unafraid of challenges, and
willing to take risks.
They’re passionate in all they do and they do things in grand
fashion.
This is the fifth annual release in the
Lunar
Zodiac Series II from Australia!
The Dragon
The Oriental or Chinese concept of the dragon is much different than
the European notion of this beast. Whereas in the West dragons are
nearly always evil, fire breathing creatures of immense size and
destructiveness, in the East they are beloved. Chinese dragons are
benevolent, representing most auspicious powers, particularly control
over water, rainfall, and floods. In yin and yang terminology, a dragon
is yang (male) and perfectly complements a yin (female)
fenghuang, the
mythical "Chinese phoenix".
The dragon is a mystical being, able to use an almost
unlimited range
of magical or supernatural powers. It is able to disguise itself as a
silkworm, or become as large as our entire universe. It can fly among
the clouds or hide in water. It can form clouds, turn into
water
or fire, become invisible or glow in the dark. It is interesting to
note that the Oriental dragon's ability to fly is a magical (not a
physical) ability; unlike European dragons, Chinese dragons
are
rarely if ever depicted with physical wings.
Historically, the dragon was the symbol of the Emperor of China. Many
pictures of oriental dragons show a flaming pearl under their chin. The
pearl is associated with wealth, good luck, and prosperity. In Chinese
culture, the pearl also symbolizes perfection, which is only obtained
through the highest forms of wisdom. As such, the pearl is retained in
the clutches of the dragon, who, like the emperor, reveals great
"pearls of wisdom" as it bestows abundance and prosperity upon its
people.
Click here for more great silver
5-ouncers from Australia's precious metals expert, the Perth Mint!
Investment Note
This coin features the most powerful and auspicious of all the animals
in the Chinese Lunar Zodiac -
the
Dragon.
The dragon is always the most popular animal, and always sells out.
Previous Year of the Dragon coins now sell for many multiples of their
issue prices.
Don't
delay, tame your dragon today!
Click here for more great pure
silver coins!
Technology
Note
The Perth Mint of Australia employs its
own proprietary
colorization technology, in which the color is actually sealed on the
coin. The vibrant hues and precise execution of the technology create a
stunning, full-color portrait on each coin.
Click
here for other great colored coins!
Obverse
A rampaging,
imperial
Chinese dragon chases after the pearl of
wisdom. The legend YEAR OF THE DRAGON defines the theme. The
Chinese character for "Dragon" is to the right, while the Perth Mint's
"P" mint mark is judiciously placed to the right, near the 3:00
position along the rim.
Reverse
The reverse features Her Majesty,
Queen
Elizabeth II of England, in
crowned profile facing
right. This portrait, featuring Her Majesty wearing a tiara and pearl
earrings, was executed by the sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley. The
legend 5 OZ 999 SILVER guarantees the weight and purity. The
legend ELIZABETH II, the date and the denomination also appear.
Click here for more coins
featuring dragons!