The Australian two ounces silver piece (abbreviated as 2 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 the sixth release in the Lunar Series issued by the Perth Mint, and marks the Chinese 2001 Year of the Snake (24 January 2001 - 11 February 2002).
The mint says about it:
A symbol of wisdom in Chinese culture, snakes are said to bring good luck and prosperity. People born in the Year of the Snake are analytical, independent and charming - which is why they are known to make such great leaders. Years: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025. |
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Within a beaded border, surrounded by floral motifs, the reverse of the coin depicts a snake coiled near five eggs, one of them hatching and a small snake coming out of it. On the front-most egg, the designer's initials LK (for Louis Kwan).
Vertically on the left, the year 2001. On the right, the Chinese character for "snake": 蛇.
Horizontally below, the precious metal content: 2 OZ 999 SILVER. |
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