Silver Ounce 2018 Two Dragons, 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 ounce (1 oz) silver coins are denominated as either two pounds (£2) or five pounds (£5), depending on the occasion.

Initially, these were only of the Britannia type, but in 2015 the Royal Mint started to use the format for coins with other types of reverse designs, celebrating various aspects of British heritage.

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.

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."