Available now from the Perth Mint of Australia are 2012 Year of the Dragon Gold Coins. These coins are issued by the Mint as a part of the Chinese Astrological Series and feature a dragon and the Chinese character for either prosperity, longevity or success — Fu, Lu and Shou.
Each coin is struck from 1/5 ounce of 99.99% pure gold to proof quality. The gold coins are available in differing product options. The ‘Prosperity’ coin is available individually with a maximum mintage of 2,000. Expanding on the Chinese Astrological Series, a two-coin set includes the ‘Prosperity’ and ‘Longevity’ gold coins. Also available is a three coin set which includes the ‘Prosperity’, ‘Longevity’ and ‘Success’ gold coins. Each of the product sets is also limited to 2,000.
The Perth is no stranger to dragon themed coins. They launched unique bullion and numismatic gold and silver coins as recently as last year as part of the Perth’s Lunar Series — all featured the mythical character in the Chinese Zodiac. 2012 is the Year of the Dragon and officially runs from January 23, 2012 to February 9, 2013. Those born in the Year of the Dragon are said to be strong, proud, self-assured, artistic and loyal.
The reverse of the gold coins depict the likeness of a dragon and the aforementioned Chinese character of Fu, Lu or Shou. Additional reverse inscriptions include "1/5 oz 9999 GOLD" and the face value of "$30."
Shown on the obverse is the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The portrait of the Queen is surrounded by the inscriptions of "QUEEN ELIZABETH II," "TUVALU" and "2012." As indicated by the obverse inscriptions, this coin is issued as legal tender of the island country of Tuvalu.
Each of the 2012 Year of the Dragon Gold Coins will be shipped in a presentation case with a timber lid. Included as well is a numbered certificate of authenticity all found inside an illustrated shipper.
Via www.perthmint.com.au, the Perth Mint is currently offering the single ‘Prosperity’ proof coin for AUS $725.45 (~$752 US), the two-coin set of ‘Prosperity’ and ‘Longevity’ proof coins for AUS $1,436.36 (~$1,490 US) and the three-coin set of ‘Prosperity’, ‘Longevity’ and ‘Success’ proof coins for AUS $2,081.81 (~$2,160 US).
To see other numismatic coin highlights from the Perth Mint, also visit the CoinNews.net Australian Coin Guide.
About the Perth Mint of Australia
The Perth Mint is wholly-owned by the State Government of Western Australia who assumed ownership of the facility in 1970. It had originally been opened as a branch of Britain’s Royal Mint in 1899 to refine and strike gold found in nearby deposits.
The Perth is responsible today for striking the official bullion coins of Australia. They are also responsible for creating many unique numismatic releases.
Perth Mint, Singapore Mint, China Mint, and Royal British Mint makes 2012 Year of Dragon Coins in platinum, palladium, gold, silver, and copper-nickel alloys. So which Chinese Lunar Calender Commemorative Coin are the best?