Like many other mints, the Royal Mint issues bullion coins in precious metals, having much higher intrinsic value than their face value. The one ounce (1 oz) gold coins are denominated as One Hundred Pounds (£100).
The coins are legal tender but are not intended for circulation. They are targeted at bullion investors or collectors who appreciate the special editions as pieces of art. The coins are typically "one-year" types usually issued in parallel with smaller denominations with the same reverse designs.
Called Two Dragons, the design of this coin cleverly uses a mix of these mythical creatures as depicted in Chinese and Welsh culture; quite fittingly, as it was distributed through the company LPM which is based in Hong Kong. The two different interpretations work superbly together, especially posed to face each other across a Yin-Yang line as they are.
As the Royal Mint says: "The Welsh dragon is a fearsome beast, once flown on the banners of the battlefield. In Chinese mythology, dragons can control the elements and are symbols of power and strength. As The Royal Mint celebrates 50 years at its current home in Llantrisant, South Wales and continues to expand its bullion business into Asia, it is only fitting that we release a coin celebrating the legendary creature that connects two very different cultures, revered by East and West.
For 2018, we are excited to reveal a bullion coin featuring two dragons side by side. Struck in Wales, the home of the red dragon, and inspired by China, this gold one ounce coin represents a new investment opportunity from The Royal Mint." |