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 two-ounce silver coin with a face value of $2 was issued as part of the Perth Mint's Lunar Series III to mark the Chinese Year of the Rabbit (22 January 2023 - 9 February 2024).
The Mint says about it:
First issued in 1996 and now in its third round, the long-running Australian Lunar Coin Series portrays the 12 animals of the ancient lunar zodiac. Annual designs featuring the mouse, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig are depicted in sequence according to the position they finished in the emperor’s Great Race.
In fourth position was the rabbit, which is said to bestow intelligence, creativity, vigilance, and compassion on those born under its influence in 2023 and every 12th preceding year. |
| Notes | Silver content (Troy oz): 2.000
Finish: bullion (Brilliant Uncirculated).
Packaging: in acrylic capsule.
Perth Mint SKU: 3S2306CAAX
Date of issue: 27 September 2022 (proof), 17 October 2022 (bullion).
Issue price: AU$ 81.58
For additional peace of mind, this 2oz coin incorporates an authentication feature in the form of a micro-laser engraved letter. Detectable under a magnifying glass, it is designed to make it significantly more difficult for the coin to be counterfeited.
Bullion mintage is unlimited; proofs are limited to 2,000.
The 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 (and are dated) during the reign of King Charles III. |
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