Silver Ounce 2023 Opal - Year of the Rabbit, Coin from Australia - detailed information

The obverse of the coin depicts the crowned old head of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem crown and the Victoria Coronation necklace worn for her Coronation. This is her effigy known as the "Fifth Portrait" worldwide and "Sixth Portrait" in Australia, in "uncouped" version - showing the Queen's shoulders and not terminating at the neck as the normal version.

On the left, in small letters on the Queen's shoulder, the artist's initials J.C (for Jody Clark).

Running continuously around the rim 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 rabbit, detailed in pure Australian opal, on black background.

Around above, the inscription YEAR OF THE RABBIT. Below, the Chinese character for "rabbit" 兔.

In smaller letters around below left, the date of issue and the precious metal content: 2023 1oz 9999 SILVER (one troy ounce of 99.99% silver). The rest of the inner circle features intricate patterning with stylised depictions of snapdragons, said to be lucky flowers for those born in the Year of the Rabbit.

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

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

Finish: proof, opal inserts.
Packaging: in display case with a clear lid that comes in an illustrated shipper.
Perth Mint SKU: 23M76AAA
Release date: January 2023.
Release price: AU$ 150.00

The Year of the Rabbit series had been announced earlier, but its release was delayed until 27 September 2022 due to a period of mourning after the death of Queen Elizabeth II; her effigy is on the coins even though they were issued when King Charles III was already on the throne.