The Australian five ounces silver piece (abbreviated as 5 oz and designated with Ag for "silver") is a bullion and commemorative coin format. Uniquely, in Australia there are two mints authorised to strike legal tender: the Royal Australian Mint (which also makes the country's circulating coinage) and the Perth Mint which only makes collector and bullion coins, as well as other bullion products.
Both mints endeavour to create coins with attractive designs, and to introduce new designs and themes often, in order to raise the numismatic value of the coins over the value of previous metal used.
This coin is part of Perth Mint's extensive range of coins celebrating the Chinese Lunar Year of the Snake (29 January 2025 - 16 February 2026). It is the sixth release in its Lunar Series III - in other words, the third 12-year cycle of Lunar coins.
The mint says about it:
According to Chinese folklore, the emperor ordered a Great Race between all the animals on Earth to determine who should occupy 12 positions in the lunar calendar. Using its guile, the snake finished in sixth place.
The sixth position in the Chinese zodiac, the Snake is a symbol for wisdom, charm and independence. Those lucky enough to be born under this sign are believed to be passionate, articulate and intelligent - making great leaders.
Year of the Snake throughout time: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025.
Lucky for those born in the Year of the Snake: numbers 2, 8, 9; colours black, red, yellow; plants: orchid, cactus. | 
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