Ancient mythical creatures appear on a new high relief silver coin now available from the Perth Mint of Australia.
Produced to proof quality in one ounce of 99.9% pure silver, the 2016-dated coin depicts the white tiger, black tortoise, azure dragon and vermilion bird. The four creatures are in the coin’s four quadrants around a centered yingyang symbol.
"According to ancient Chinese mythology, the universe was divided into four quadrants marking the beginning and end of the winter and summer solstices, and the autumn and spring equinoxes," the Perth Mint describes. "These heavenly quadrants were known as the ‘Four Celestial Palaces’, with each palace represented by a guardian animal with a corresponding colour, element, and virtue."
The reverse, designed by Ing Ing Jong, includes the inscription CHINESE ANCIENT MYTHICAL CREATURES.
This coin is legal tender of the island nation of Tuvalu and bears the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth on its obverse. Inscriptions around the portrait are QUEEN ELIZABETH II, 1 DOLLAR, TUVALA, 2015 and 1 OZ 999 SILVER.
Specifications for the coin is as follows:
Coin Specifications
| Silver Content (Troy oz) | 1 |
| Monetary Denomination (TVD) | 1 |
| Fineness (% purity) | 99.9 |
| Minimum Gross Weight (g) | 31.135 |
| Maximum Diameter (mm) | 32.60 |
| Maximum Thickness (mm) | 6.00 |
| Maximum Mintage | 5,000 |
| Obverse Designer | Ian Rank-Broadley |
| Reverse Designer | Ing Ing Jong |
Ordering
Priced at AUS $98.19, or about US $70, the high relief coin is available from the Perth Mint at www.perthmint.com.au. An affiliate link to the coin’s product page is right here.
Each coin ships in a black presentation case within an illustrated shipper, and a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
