The Perth Mint launches Year of the Dragon collector coins in pure gold and silver

The Perth Mint’s highly anticipated Year of the Dragon collector coins are available for purchase from today.

Struck from 99.99% pure gold and 99.99% pure silver in flawless proof quality, the 2024-dated pieces are the latest annual additions to the long-running and widely collected Australian Lunar Series.

Cultural significance

First issued in 1996, the Australian Lunar Series celebrates the 12 animal signs of the ancient lunar zodiac, each said to influence the personality, prospects, and compatibility of those born under its influence.

According to legend, the emperor commanded a great race between all the animals on Earth to decide which ones should occupy the lunar calendar. The mouse finished in first place, followed by the ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

The only mythological beast among the animals was the dragon, a creature of exceptional importance in Chinese culture.

Traditionally, the emperor was thought of as a human incarnation of the dragon, a divine, wise, and benevolent being that embodied the ideals of the Chinese people. Among its professed powers was the ability to command weather; by striking a river with its tail to create rain and floods, it ensured abundant harvests and good fortune.

During the great race, the mighty dragon led the other animals until it stopped at a river to make rain. As a result, the dragon finished fifth, appearing every fifth year in the 12-year lunar cycle – including 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, and 2024.

Bestowed with instinctive bravery, persistence, and intelligence, those born in the Year of the Dragon are regarded as ambitious, charismatic, and successful.

Unprecedented demand

General Manager Minted Products Neil Vance said the Mint had experienced unprecedented demand for its 2012 Year of the Dragon coins and that interest in the 2024 release was running high.

“Over the years, the Australian Lunar Series has attracted a global audience of collectors and investors,” he said. “Portraying the most auspicious animal in the lunar zodiac, the latest coins will be highly sought after.

“Crafted from out trusted precious metals and struck with expert attention to detail in magnificent proof quality, each coin is a rare and beautiful piece that does enormous credit to this year’s designer, Ing Ing Jong.”

Distinctive artistry

An experienced coin artist whose work has given her deep insights into Asian mythological themes, Ing Ing Jong is well versed in the importance of the dragon. Even so, she began her designs only after careful consideration.

“Being asked to design our Lunar Dragon coins was a great honour, and also daunting because of the powerful mythical beast’s profound significance,” she said.

“To honour Chinese culture and heritage, it was important to respect the way dragons have been represented for thousands of years. But I also wanted to create fresh, new interpretations.

“My designs draw inspiration from traditional sources, including the famous Nine-Dragon Wall, and dragons embroidered on Imperial robes.

“Yet I hope to have achieved original and distinctive artistry that adds further to the great legacy of the dragon.”

Alongside her classic representation of its serpentine form, the new dragon coin artistry pays homage to the creature’s power over the elements, with symbolic waves, water, and fog within the designs.  

Limited availability

Gold and Silver 2024 Proof Lunar Dragons are subject to extremely low mintages, with the following issue limits applying to coins available in Perth Mint presentation packaging.

With stocks expected to last only a short period, collectors are invited to visit The Perth Mint Shop, telephone our customer help desk, order from our website, or contact one of our authorised coin distributors as soon as possible.