Silver Five Ounces 2024 Chinese Mythical Creatures - Dragon and the Five Elements, Coin from Tuvalu - detailed information

The Tuvaluan Dollar is the currency of Tuvalu - a small nation in the Pacific Ocean. Tuvalu has never had banknotes of its own, and has been issuing coins since 1976; these circulate together with coins of the Australian Dollar, which is also legal tender in the country, and to which the Tuvaluan Dollar is pegged.

The Australian Perth Mint issues a large variety of non-circulating legal tender coins under the authority of Tuvalu. Some of these are in the silver five-ounce format (abbreviated as 5 oz). Strictly speaking, they are not bullion as they are priced at a premium and are targeted at collectors who appreciate them for their artistic merit and collectable value and not just for their precious metal content.

This coin is part of a series dedicated to Chinese Mythical Creatures, and features a Dragon and the Five Elements.

The mint says about it:
A mesmerising 5oz pure silver coin with antiqued and coloured finishes, this amazing piece celebrates the five elemental dragons.

According to the Chinese philosophy of Wuxing (Five Elements Theory), the ebb and flow of five fundamental elements - wood, fire, earth, metal, and water - are responsible for the change in all things in the cosmos. In lunar astrology, it is believed these interconnected elements take turns to further shape the destiny of people born under each sign. In 2024, the dragon is influenced by wood - consequently "wood dragons" are thought to be warm, wise, generous, and compassionate.