A new five ounce silver coin is now available from the Perth Mint of Australia. Dubbed the Chinese Ancient Mythical Creatures 2014 5 Oz Silver Proof Colored Coin and limited to 1,000, each is struck from 99.9% pure silver to a diameter of 65.60 mm — smaller but thicker than the U.S. series of three-inch America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Coins.
Shown on the reverse of the coin is a design depicting four Chinese ancient mythical creatures.
"According to ancient Chinese mythology, the universe was divided into four quadrants marking the beginning and end of the winter and summer solstices, and the autumn and spring equinoxes," describes the Perth Mint of Australia. "These heavenly quadrants were known as the ‘Four Celestial Palaces’, with each palace represented by a guardian animal and corresponding color, element, and virtue."
Video: Making of the Chinese Ancient Mythical Creatures Coin
This interesting Perth Mint video shows how Chinese Ancient Mythical Creatures Silver Coins are made:
Designs and Specifications
Perth Mint artist Ing Ing Jong designed the reverse. It features the four mythical creatures enhanced with vibrant coloring. The four surround a Yin Yang symbol featuring selective 24 karat gold plating. An inscription around the elements reads: CHINESE ANCIENT MYTHICAL CREATURES.
Found on the obverse is Ian Rank-Broadley’s effigy of Queen Elizabeth II along with the inscriptions of QUEEN ELIZABETH II, TUVALU, 5 OZ 999 SILVER, 2014 and 5 DOLLARS. The coins are minted as legal tender of the island nation of Tuvalu.
Specifications of the Chinese Ancient Mythical Creatures Coin are as follows:
Silver Content (Troy oz) | 5 |
Monetary Denomination (TVD) | 5 |
Fineness (% purity) | 99.9 |
Minimum Gross Weight (g) | 155.673 |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 65.60 |
Maximum Thickness (mm) | 5.80 |
Maximum Mintage | 1,000 |
Obverse Designer | Ian Rank-Broadley |
Reverse Designer | Ing Ing Jong |
Ordering
The 2014 Chinese Ancient Mythical Creatures 5 oz Silver Proof Colored Coin may be ordered directly from the Perth Mint of Australia. Pricing is AUS $450.00, or about US $393.23. The following affiliate link goes to the Perth’s ordering page.
Each coin ships in a Perth Mint black box with an illustrated shipper and a numbered certificate of authenticity.