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 2025 Year of the Snake coins are part of the Royal Mint's Shēngxiào Collection - a coin series dedicated to the Chinese Lunar calendar. The reverse design by US Mint designer Chris Costello has been inspired by the European adder snake.
The mint says:
"The Shēngxiào Collection continues with a coin celebrating the Year of the Snake. Those born under this sign often share the characteristics of strength, intelligence and adaptability."
The range was released on 5 September 2024, in advance of the Chinese Lunar Year of the Snake (29 January 2025 - 16 February 2026). | 
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