Tiger – just the mention of the word evokes a sense of excitement, power and graceful beauty. Therefore, it is not a surprise that the Chinese would include such an animal in their zodiac calendar created millennia ago (that’s right, millennia).
To celebrate the Year of the Tiger, which began today, February 14, 2010, the Royal Canadian Mint has released four new limited minted coins, all of which incorporate the Tiger’s attributes of excitement and beauty:
- 2010 $15 Silver Lunar Lotus Coin – Year of the Tiger
- 2010 $15 Fine Silver Coin – Year of the Tiger
- 2010 $150 Fine Gold Coin – Year of the Tiger
- 2010 $150 Lunar Hologram Coin – Year of the Tiger
Each of these silver and gold coins is unique in their own respect, much like all of the animals included on the Chinese Calendar: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
But of all these creatures, the tiger is seen as one of the most powerful. Just like the large cat itself, those born in the Year of the Tiger are said to be impulsive and unpredictable with a short temper. However, that does not prevent them from being seen as sensitive and sympathetic as well as extremely generous with their possessions.
The $15 Silver Lunar Lotus Year of the Tiger Coin is actually the first of a new 12-coin series celebrating the Chinese Zodiac Calendar. What makes the series most unique, however, is the scalloped edge which separates them from traditional coinage.
All of the coins in the series are struck from 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper with a face value of $15. The reverse was designed by Three Degrees Creative Group Inc. to include a tiger curled along the bottom of the coin with its tail raised to the top right. The tiger is seen under a canopy of leaves indicative of one of its habitats.
A maximum of 19,888 of these 38mm coins will be struck by the Mint with each one weighing 26.29 grams. The coin sells for CAD $88.88.
As a bonus offer, the Royal Canadian Mint is offering a free wooden collector case capable of holding all twelve of the zodiac-themed coins to any who subscribe to the entire series. The Mint estimates the value of the case at CAD $199.95.
The $15 Fine Silver Year of the Tiger Coin offers a return to a more traditional shape from the Mint, but this time in fine silver (99.99% pure).
Still with a face value of $15, these coins show the power of the tiger with their obverse design by Aries Chung. A decoratively striped cat is seen with its mouth wide open, almost indicating a roar protruding from it, perhaps as a warning to those who doubt its intentions.
Only 9,999 of these proof quality coins will be struck. Each is offered at CAD $88.88.
The $150 Fine Gold Year of the Tiger Coin gives collectors a tiger-themed option in gold.
The same tiger image designed by Aries Chung as is used on the Tiger Fine Silver Coin is also featured on this gold version.
Each of these coins are struck from a composition of 75% gold and 25% silver with a total weight of 11.84 grams. A maximum of 2,500 will be struck. Each is sold for CAD $555.55.
The $150 Lunar Hologram Year of the Tiger Coin is the latest Chinese Zodiac hologram coin in a series that started in 2000 with a dragon.
What makes these coins extremely unique is the hologram of a vibrantly colored Tiger. The technique requires the latest state-of-the-art technology which as been perfected by the Mint. Harvey Chan designed the tiger image that sits in a classic position with its head raised.
These coins are struck from 18-karat gold (75% gold and 25% silver) to a proof finish. Each one sells for CAD $555.55. Only 4,888 will be minted.
All of these coins may also be purchased by calling the Royal Canadian Mint’s Customer Solution Center at:
- 1-800-267-1871 (Canada)
- 1-800-268-6468 (US)
- (613) 954-2626 (International).
Interested in other finely crafted Canadian coins and sets? In addition to the Mint. ca Web site (http://www.mint.ca/), view dozens of featured coins on the CoinNews.net page: Royal Canadian Mint Coins.
About the Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown Corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. An ISO 9001-2008 certified company, the Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale.
The Mint is an Official Supporter of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and has undertaken to produce the most extensive circulation coin program in relation to the Olympic Games ever conceived by any mint worldwide, while also offering limited mintage collector coins and sets. Visit www.mint.ca/2010 for Vancouver 2010 keepsakes and gifts.
