The Perth Mint has released the 2016 Chinese Ancient Mythical Creatures 1 oz. Silver Proof High Relief Coin, which is available for $98.19 AUD ($70.46 USD) and has a mintage limited to 5,000 pieces.
The coin is composed of 99.9% silver, with a diameter measuring 32.60 mm, and a thickness of 6 mm. Both the obverse and reverse of the coin feature slightly concave surfaces that help to increase the precision with which the piece is struck.
The high relief reverse bears the images of four mythical creatures positioned around a ying-yang symbol, with the inscription CHINESE ANCIENT MYTHICAL CREATURES placed along the rim. A press release points out that each creature is a guardian of one of four “heavenly quadrants marking the beginning and end of the winter and summer solstices, and the autumn and spring equinoxes.” The animals are each associated with a respective virtue, color, and element.
The obverse features Ian Rank-Broadley’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, with QUEEN ELIZABETH II, 1 oz 999 SILVER, 2016, 1 DOLLAR, and TUVALU, the country of issue, inscribed along the rim of the coin.
The 2016 Chinese Ancient Mythical Creatures 1 oz. Silver Proof High Relief Coin was designed by Ing Ing Jong and comes with a numbered certificate of authenticity. For more information, please visit the Perth Mint’s Web site.
Ernesto says
I already got one about a week ago. Nicer in hand for sure 🙂
fmtransmitter says
I got one last year. The only difference is the date. Why are they re using this design?
Louis says
Last year’s was 5 oz. This is 1 oz. for those on a budget.