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: Representing the affinity between two highly influential Chinese mythological beasts, this deftly antiqued 2oz silver coin portrays a dragon and qilin in colour.
The dragon and qilin are mythological creatures that have been embraced in Chinese culture for thousands of years. Revered as a symbol of imperial authority, the wise dragon is popularly believed to offer humanity enlightened guidance and protection. Its companion, the gentle, horse-shaped qilin, is an omen of happiness and is understood to attract good luck, protection and successful children. |