Collectors and investors have been chomping at the bit since the Perth Mint announced the release of its 2013 Year of the Snake Gold and Silver Bullion Coins, available to the public on September 3.
The newest editions of the wildly popular Lunar Series II will be composed of 99.9% pure silver and 99.99% pure gold, backed by the Australian government. The bullion coins will be issued in seven denominations, from 10 kilo (which will be limited) to 1/2 ounce – so many options, you won’t be forced to break the bank.
The reverse of each gold and silver coin features a snake atop a tree branch, its scaly body forming an intricate ‘S.’ To its right is the Chinese symbol for “snake,” and below are the words “Year of the Snake” and the mintmark ‘P.’
The obverse of each 2013 Year of the Snake features the iconic design of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank Broadley, along with the coin’s face value and weight.
Considered legal tender in Australia, the Perth Mint’s Lunar Series–which made its initial debut in 1999, followed by the Lunar Series II in 2008–celebrates China’s ancient Lunar Calendar.
Highly anticipated by investors and collectors each year, Lunar Series designs change annually, corresponding with the Chinese Zodiac. Babies born between February 10, 2013 and January 30, 2014 will be born in the Year of the Snake.
The Perth Mint was founded at the insistence of Western Australia’s First Premier, Sir John Forrest, after gold was discovered in local deposits. Founded in 1899, the newly-established mint manufactured gold and silver sovereigns until Great Britain abandoned the gold standard in 1931. The mint remained under British ownership until it ceded to the Western Australian Government in July of 1970.
Intrigued? Contact a representative from Provident Metals to learn how you can get your hands on the Perth Mint’s 2013 Year of the Snake Gold and Silver Bullion Coins.
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