Lunar new year

In 2013, The Perth Mint’s internationally renowned Australian lunar gold proof coin series II celebrates the Year of the Snake, the sixth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. Meticulously struck from 99.99% pure gold in proof quality, no more than 3,000 individual 1oz coins, 5,000 1/4oz coins, 5,000 1/10oz coins and 3,000 three-coin sets were released. Each coin is issued as legal tender under the Australian currency act 1965.

The birth dates for people ruled by the Chinese lunar snake include 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.

2013 year of the snake design

The coin’s reverse depicts a snake with bamboo. 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 obverse of each coin.