Silver Ounce 2025 Year of the Snake - Double Happiness, Coin from Australia - detailed information

The Australian one ounce silver piece (abbreviated as 1 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.

The silver Lunar Series series was introduced in 1999 by the Perth Mint (the Royal Australian Mint started a parallel series later) and is dedicated to the Chinese Lunar Calendar and the Chinese Zodiac. Known as Sheng Xiao or Shu Xiang, it features twelve animal signs in this order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Boasting a history of more than 2,000 years, it plays an essential role in Chinese culture. The animals zodiac in a cycle are not only used to represent years in China, but also believed to influence people’s personalities, career, compatibility, marriage, and fortune.

This coloured 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), and features the Chinese concept of Double Happiness.

The mint says about it:
In Chinese mythology, the snake symbolises wisdom, elegance, and intuition, making it a revered figure in the zodiac. The Year of the Snake is a time for personal growth and self-discovery, where intellect and patience pave the way for success.

The concept of Double Happiness is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, symbolising love, joy, and marital bliss. Often depicted as two intertwined characters, it signifies unity and the bringing together of two souls - an emblem of enduring happiness.