Description

The Perth Mint has released coins in the Lunar series since 1996. Each coin has been released annually and features an animal from the Chinese zodiac. 2012 marks the Year of the Dragon coin release. The dragon is known to embody beauty, strength, and a noble nature. It’s also the only mythical creature included in the Chinese lunar calendar. The 2012 2 oz Australian Silver Lunar Dragon Coin can be purchased online from Maritime Coins and Collectibles.

Coin Highlights:

• Arrives in a protective plastic capsule!
• 5^th year of release for the Lunar Series II collection!
• Features a brand new, unique reverse design!
• Contains 2 Troy oz of .999 fine silver.
• Bears a face value of $2 (AUD) backed by the Australian government.
• Obverse shows the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
• Reverse features new dragon design.

The 2012 2 oz Australian Silver Lunar Dragon Coin marks the 5^th year of release for the Lunar Series II collection. This is the second collection in the Lunar Series overall and features the most popular animal of the Chinese zodiac. The 2012 coin comes in a protective plastic capsule and features 99.9% fine silver.

The Lunar Series began in 1996, but silver coins weren’t released in this series until 1999 with the Year of the Rabbit release. Since then, the Perth Mint has released coins in the Lunar Series I, II, and III by following each animal of the Chinese zodiac sequentially. Coins in this series have been featured in various weights and purities, making each one unique and popular among coin collectors worldwide.

The obverse of the 2012 2 oz Australian Silver Lunar Dragon Coin features the original portrait of Queen Elizabeth II designed by Ian Rank-Broadley. Her profile is shown to honor her as a revered leader of Australia, highlighting the sparkling crown on her head. This design has been featured on many Australian coins and is used for the Lunar Series from 1999 to 2019. The obverse of the 2012 coin also shows its monetary denomination, its weight and purity, its release year, and two inscriptions: “ELIZABETH II” and “AUSTRALIA”.

The reverse of the 2012 2 oz Australian Silver Lunar Dragon Coin shows the traditional Chinese dragon as it slithers across the coin’s surface. The dragon is shown to be long, scaled, and have four legs. It stares amazed at the Pearl of Wisdom. The reverse of the 2012 coin also shows the Chinese character for “dragon” and the inscription “Year of the Dragon”.