Silver Two Ounces 2021 Chinese Mythical Creatures - Double Dragon and Phoenix, 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 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:
In traditional Chinese culture, the dragon is revered as a divine creature and potent symbol of power, wealth and good fortune. The phoenix is regarded as an immortal bird that appears in times of peace and prosperity. Also representing the Chinese emperor and empress, the dragon and phoenix’s appearance together symbolises wedded bliss.

Rich in Chinese cultural references, the coin’s highly symmetrical artistry employs twin dragon and phoenix motifs - in artistic terms doubling the strength of their auspicious influences. These mythical creatures surround the ancient Yin and Yang symbol (taijitu) embodying the feng shui concept that the universe is governed through the balance of opposing yet complementary principles. Also included in the design are stylised clouds, associated with rain and abundant harvests, as well as coloured peonies, flowers symbolising royalty, wealth and honour.