Silver Ounce 2018 Opal - Year of the Dog, Coin from Australia - detailed information

The obverse of the coin shows the crowned mature head of Queen Elizabeth II facing right (her effigy known as the "Fourth Portrait"). The Queen wears the "Girls of Great Britain and Ireland" diamond tiara, a wedding gift from Queen Mary (Her Majesty's grandmother) in 1947 - which she also has on the Machin and the Gottwald portraits.

In small letters below the head, the artist's initials IRB (for Ian Rank-Broadley).

Around the effigy is the monarch's legend and the face value: ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA · 1 DOLLAR ·.

The effigy is smaller than usual, allowing for more space in the centre of the obverse which is patterned with rays radiating from the centre.

The centre of the reverse incorporates an inner panel design of a dog, detailed in pure Australian opal, on black background.

Around above, the inscription YEAR OF THE DOG. Below, the Chinese character for "dog", 狗.

In smaller letters around below left, the date of issue and the precious metal content: 2018 1oz 9999 SILVER (one troy ounce of 99.99% silver). The rest of the inner circle is decorated with stylised images of leaves and flowers.

The mint mark P of the Perth Mint is below right. The designer's initials NM (for Natasha Muhl) are above the mint mark.

The outer rim is decorated with an "Oriental" geometric pattern.

Finish: proof, opal inserts.
Packaging: in black case with a clear lid which comes in an illustrated shipper, with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
Perth Mint SKU: 18A19AAA
Issue price: AU$ 115.00, US$ 79.76.

Year of the Dog 2018 coins issued by the Perth Mint include:
- Australia, Silver Ounce ($1) with Opal, Year of the Dog, 2018
- Australia, Silver Half Ounce (50 Cents), Year of the Dog 2018
- Tuvalu, Silver Ounce Coloured ($1), Good Fortune - Wealth, 2018
- Tuvalu, Silver Ounce Coloured ($1), Good Fortune - Wisdom, 2018