Lunar Snake - inspired by the Chinese zodiac
The Australian Lunar coin series celebrates Chinese astrology and the Chinese zodiac. The 12-year series features releases marking the Year of the Mouse (2008), Year of the Ox (2009), Year of the Tiger (2010), Year of the Rabbit (2011), Year of the Dragon (2012), Year of the Snake (2013), Year of the Horse (2014), Year of the Goat (2015), Year of the Monkey (2016), Year of the Rooster (2017), Year of the Dog (2018) and Year of the Pig (2019).
Apart from the internationally renowned Australian Lunar Gold Coin Series II, which was minted with gold, the Perth Mint also released Lunar Silver Coins in various denominations: ½ oz, 10 oz, 1 kg, 1 ounce and 5 ounces.
The Lunar Snake bullion coin has been minted by the Perth Mint in 2013, the year in which the year of the snake is being celebrated. The snake is the sixth of 12 animals in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac and is a symbol of wisdom and is said to bring good luck and wealth.
This superb silver coin is a perfect gift for people born in the Year of the Snake - 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 and of course 2013. People who were born in these years are said to be charming, graceful, peaceful, intelligent, witty, independent, sophisticated, careful, analytical and intuitive.
The front of the Lunar Snake coin can be considered as classic for most of the Australian silver coins, with the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the nominal value and the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", "AUSTRALIA", the year "2013 "and" 999 SILVER ".
The back, as the name of this silver coin suggests shows a snake motif. The snake is wrapped around a tree branch and bears a striking scale pattern. Above and below it are a few branches. To the right of the snake are written the Chinese character for snake and the "P" for the Australian Perth Mint. Along the bottom "Year of the Snake" is imprinted.
The Lunar Snake coin appeals to to investors and collectors because of its very limited supply, the variety of denominations and their undeniable beauty.
The coin was issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965 and has a fine silver content of 99.90%.