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 two-ounce format (abbreviated as 2 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.
The Mint says about this coin: Rich in Chinese cultural references, this highly symbolic coin is meticulously crafted from 2oz of 99.99% pure silver with a design featuring vivid colour and antiquing to convey the surface abrasions of an ancient artefact.
According to ancient Chinese mythology, a school of golden koi fish swam up a fast-flowing river full of rocks and other obstacles to reach a legendary mountain waterfall known as The Dragon Gate. Despite its seemingly impassable height, one koi’s repeated efforts to reach the crest eventually proved successful. In recognition of its determination and perseverance, the gods turned it into the most auspicious mythical creature in Chinese culture - a dragon. |