Perth Mint – Australia: Gold And Silver Proof Coins In Third Lunar Series Features Year Of The Snake

Launched in 2020, the third lunar series when complete in 2031 will include each sign represented by a real or mythical animal in the Lunar Zodiac which renews itself every twelve years. But why and how is the Lunar Zodiac arranged in this particular way? According to ancient Chinese folklore, it was the Jade Emperor and mythical god who organised a race between all the animals in the world to create a way to measure time and as such, the animals participated in a swimming race on his birthday. The first 12 animals to cross the finish line would be the winners and each would have a year of the zodiac named after them. The animals that finished the race were the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. As a reward, the Jade Emperor named a year in the zodiac after each animal that participated in the race. Using its guile, it was the snake that finished in sixth place and as a result, those born under the sign of the Chinese Lunar Snake and every 12th preceding year thereafter are said to inherit the snake’s wisdom, intelligence, independence, charm… and guile. Presently, those born in 2025 and previously in 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953 and 1941 are born in the year of the snake.

One Dollar – Silver. Designed by Sean Rogers, the coin’s reverse includes a depiction of a coiled snake on the ground beneath an arrangement of hanging leaves. Included in the design between the leaves is the Chinese character for ‘snake’ and the inscription SNAKE 2025. The Perth Mint’s P mintmark is placed to the far left near the rim.

One Hundred Dollars – Gold. Also designed by Sean Rogers, the reverse side includes a detailed and intricately depiction of a snake curled and clinging among bamboo stems. Included in the design to the lower right in the field is the Chinese character for ‘snake’ along with the inscription SNAKE 2025. The Perth Mint’s P mintmark is placed to the far left near the rim.

The obverse of both gold and silver coins includes an effigy of HM King Charles III created by Engraver Dan Thorne along with the legend CHARLES III · AUSTRALIA placed above the portrait. Below the King’s likeness are the specifications 1oz 9999 Au and the denomination 100 DOLLARS (gold) or 1oz 9999 Ag and the denomination 1 DOLLAR (silver).

The series is available in a range of gold and silver designs, weights and strikes. An additional proof and colour edition of the silver coin is also available. For more information on all coins in the Lunar Series III, including a list of international partner distributors, please visit the e-webshop of the Perth Mint.