Lunar new year

These magnificent silver coins celebrate the Year of the Snake, the sixth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.  As well as appealing to proof coin collectors, these superb releases are perfect for people born in the year of the snake – 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 and 2013.

Those born under the influence of this sign are said to be intelligent, graceful, independent, analytical and charming.  Struck from 99.9% pure silver in proof quality, no more than 500 kilo coins, 5,000 1oz coins and 1,000 three-coin sets will be released. The coins are issued as Australian legal tender.

Year of the snake design

Each coin’s reverse depicts a snake curled around a tree branch. The Chinese character for ‘snake’ and the inscription ‘Year of the Snake’ also appear in the design with The Perth Mint’s traditional ‘P’ mintmark.

The Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2013 year-date and the monetary denomination are shown on the obverse of each coin.