Lunar new year

This magnificent silver coin celebrates 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, this superb release is 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, and issued as Australian legal tender, The Perth Mint will release no more than 5,000 of these coins.

2013 year of the snake design

The 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 coin's obverse.