Silver 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 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.

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).