Legendary creature

The Lunar New Year is the most important traditional festival for Chinese communities, symbolising renewal, family unity, and hope for prosperity. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is celebrated with rituals that honour ancestors, ward off misfortune, and welcome blessings. Families gather for reunion dinners, exchange red envelopes, and decorate homes with auspicious symbols, reinforcing values of harmony and respect.

Central to the celebration is the dragon, a legendary creature embodying strength, wisdom, and good fortune. In Chinese culture, the dragon is not feared but revered as a protector and bringer of rain, essential for agriculture. Dragon dances, performed with vibrant costumes and rhythmic drums, are highlights of the festivities. They are believed to chase away evil spirits and invite abundance for the year ahead. Together, the Lunar New Year and the dragon reflect the deep cultural heritage and collective optimism of the Chinese people.

Chinese dragon design

The coin’s coloured reverse presents an illustration of a blue dragon with red spikes dancing among celestial clouds. As well as a red Chinese scroll with Chinese characters “新年快乐”, meaning 'Happy New Year', the reverse also incorporates The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark. The obverse bears the Jody Clarke effigy of His Majesty King Charles III and monetary denomination.