Gold Fortieth-Ounce 2024 Year of the Dragon, Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

Like many other mints, the Royal Mint issues bullion coins in precious metals, having much higher intrinsic value than their face value. The one-fortieth ounce (1/40 oz) gold coins are denominated as Fifty Pence (50p) and have been issued since 2014.

These tiny coins are legal tender but are not intended for circulation. They are targeted at collectors who appreciate the special editions as pieces of art. The coins are typically "one-year" types usually issued in parallel with other denominations with the same reverse designs.

The 2024 Year of the Dragon coins are part of the Royal Mint's Shēngxiào Collection - a coin series dedicated to the Chinese Lunar calendar.

The mint says:
"The Lunar Collection continues with a coin celebrating the Year of the Dragon. Those born under this sign are said to share many of the dragon’s desirable characteristics such as confidence, courage and adventurousness."

The range was released on 4 September 2023, in advance of the Chinese Lunar Year of the Dragon (10 February 2024 - 28 January 2025).