2013 Year of the Snake Silver Bullion Coins

The Perth Mint of Australia will soon release Australian 2013 Year of the Snake Silver Bullion Coins in seven different sizes, ranging from 10 kilo down to 1/2 ounce.

These are offered as part of the Perth Mint’s extremely popular Australian Lunar Series II and will be available to the public beginning on Monday, September 3, 2012.


Each coin in the series is composed from 99.9% pure silver and is guaranteed for weight and purity by the government of Australia. Each also features the new 2013 Year of the Snake reverse design.
That design shows a snake curled around the branch of a tree. Shown to the right of the reptile is the Chinese character for "Snake." The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mint mark is found on the reverse along with the inscription of "Year of the Snake."

2013 Year of the Snake Silver Bullion Coins are struck as legal tender of Australia in addition to the government’s guarantee of content. As legal tender, obverses contain the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II along with the inscriptions of "Elizabeth II," "Australia" and "2013." The obverse also contains the face value and weight of the specific coin.

Lunar silver bullion coins made their debut from the Perth Mint in 1999 with the inaugural strikes of the Lunar Series I. In 2008, the Perth Mint introduced the current Lunar Series II. All of these coins featured annually changing reverse designs based on the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. That zodiac indicates that those with birthdays between February 10, 2013 and January 30, 2014 are born in the Year of the Snake.

As previously mentioned, seven different sized 2013 Year of the Snake Silver Bullion Coins will be issued by the Perth. This includes 10 kilo, 1 kilo, 10 ounce, 5 ounce, 2 ounce, 1 ounce and 1/2 ounce. Of those seven, five will feature unlimited mintages with only the 10 kilo coin and the 1 ounce coin being limited. Mintage of the 10 kilo coin will be no more than 200 with the one ounce coin limited to 300,000 worldwide.

All coins of the series are presented in protective acrylic capsules.

Specifications for Year of the Snake Silver Bullion Coins

Size	10 kilo	1 kilo	10 oz	5 oz	2 oz	1 oz	1/2 oz
Silver Content (oz)	321.510	32.151	10	5	2	1	.5
Face Value (AUS)	$300	$30	$10	$8	$2	$1	$.50
Minimum Gross Weight (g)	10,010.000	1,001.002	311.347	155.673	62.270	31.135	15.591
Maximum Diameter (mm)	221.00	100.60	85.60	65.60	55.60	45.60	36.60
Maximum Thickness (mm)	33.00	14.60	6.60	5.80	3.60	2.60	2.30
Maximum Mintage Limit	200	unlimited	unlimited	unlimited	unlimited	300,000	unlimited

About the Perth Mint

The Royal Mint of England established the Perth Mint as a branch facility in 1899 to refine and strike gold recovered from nearby deposits. Ownership was transferred to the State Government of Western Australia in 1970. Today the Perth is responsible for the Australian Federal Government’s Gold and Silver Bullion Coin Program in addition to striking some of the most unique numismatic coins in the world.

2011-2013 Canadian Wildlife Silver Bullion Coins

With the upcoming availability of the fifth coin in the Canadian Wildlife Silver Bullion Coin Series, this article provides a quick review of all post issues

Canadian Wildlife Silver Bullion Coins are produced as a three-year series issued by the Royal Canadian Mint. Dates on each are either 2011, 2012 or 2013.

A total of six unique coins are included within the series, each featuring a unique reverse design showcasing a different member of the diverse creatures found in Canada.


Every coin is struck from one ounce of .9999 fine silver to a diameter of 38 mm. The 3.29 mm thick strikes have a reeded edge and a legal tender face value of CAD $5.

Despite the investment-intended nature of the bullion coins, many collectors have also shown extreme interest in the series. That is largely attributable to the unique designs, level of silver purity and the limited mintage nature of the program. Coins of the Canadian Wildlife series feature a maximum mintage of 1,000,000 per design.

All six silver bullion coins contain the same basic obverse portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Designed by Canadian artist Susanna Blunt, the portrait is surrounded by the inscriptions of ELIZABETH II, 5 DOLLARS and the relevant year 2011, 2012 or 2013.

The reverse of each coin depicts a different creature of Canadian wildlife. Reverse inscriptions include CANADA, 9999, FINE SILVER 1 OZ ARGENT PUR and the initials of the artist for the design.

A short description of each of the known Canadian Wildlife Silver Bullion Coins is offered below:

2011 Canadian Wolf Silver Bullion Coin

Canadian Wildlife 2011 Canadian Wolf Silver Bullion Coin

2011 Canadian Wolf Silver Bullion Coins made their debut in September of 2010. As indicated by the name, the coin depicts a wolf on its reverse. The snowy scene of the canid also includes an image of a full moon. The reverse was designed by Senior Royal Canadian Mint Engraver William Woodruff.

2011 Canadian Grizzly Silver Bullion Coin

Canadian Wildlife 2011 Canadian Grizzly Silver Bullion Coin

The Royal Canadian Mint released 2011 Grizzly Silver Bullion Coins in January of 2011. A roaring mature grizzly bear is shown on the reverse of the strike along the edge of a body of water. Like the first coin of the series, the reverse of this coin was also designed by Senior Mint Engraver William Woodruff whose initials can be seen to the left of the bear.

2012 Canadian Cougar Silver Bullion Coin

Canadian Wildlife 2012 Canadian Cougar Silver Bullion Coin

Issued in September of 2011, the 2012 Canadian Cougar Silver Bullion Coin appeared as the third strike of what had become an extremely popular series. Showcased on the reverse is the image of a cougar which is also known as pumas, mountain lions or mountain cats. The William Woodruff design shows the cat with its front paws on a fallen tree limb.

2012 Canadian Moose Silver Bullion Coin

Canadian Wildlife 2012 Canadian Moose Silver Bullion Coin

2012 Canadian Moose Silver Bullion Coins made their initial appearance in February of 2012. Also designed by Woodruff, the reverse of this coin shows a moose, complete with large palmate antlers, standing among the tall grasses of its native region.

2013 Canadian Pronghorn Antelope Silver Bullion Coin

Canadian Wildlife 2013 Canadian Pronghorn Antelope Silver Bullion Coin

The Royal Canadian Mint first announced details of 2013 Canadian Pronghorn Antelope Silver Bullion Coins at the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in August of 2012. The strike showcases a pronghorn antelope on the reverse with a design by Canadian artist and coin designer Emily S. Damstra.

TUTANKHAMUN Egypt Pharaoh Silver Palladium Gold Red Carnelian Gemstone Coin 2 Oz $50 Fiji 2012

A numismatic masterpiece, made with two ounces of pure 999 silver, 24 carat gilded Gold , ennobled with and enriched with a red carnelian gemstone considered to be the stone of the life by Egyptians!

Extremely limited mintage of just 999 pieces worldwide!

The coin is issued by the Republic of Fiji and honors the history of Tutankhamun! Second of "Egyptian Jewels" 10 coin series.

Tutankhamun (sometimes called King Tut) was a Pharaoh (like a king) of Ancient Egypt from about 1334 BC to 1323 BC. He became Pharaoh of the 18th dynasty (royal family) during the New Kingdom at 9 years old. Tutankhamun ruled only 9 years and died very young, at 18, so he is known as The Boy King. He was married to his half-sister Ankhesenamun, daughter of Queen Nefertiti,his step mother.

Some scientists and historians think Tutankhamun was killed by someone else. When his mummy was examined by a CAT scan in January 2005, a very bad break in the leg was found. This may have been from a riding accident. Most scientists now think that Tutankhamun died because his broken leg got infected. Others believe that his vizier, Ay, murdered him, because Ay also succeeded him as Pharaoh. Because of this, Tut was buried in Ay's tomb and Ay in his. Other sources say that he had died from a sickness.

The tomb was discovered in March 1922 by the famous British archaeologist Howard Carter.

Egyptian Jewels

The use of gemstones in Egyptian art has a several thousand year old tradition.

Pharaohs and noble people adorned themselves with gold as well liked and respected dignitaries women. Tombs and funerary masks were richly decorated and the deceased were placed with rich treasures to the afterlife.

The whole art of Egyptian jewelers can be found on these coins again. The most famous pharaohs and gods are beautiful minted in high relief 2 ounces of pure silver, embellished with gold and palladium, a high-quality padprinting and a cartouche with an inlaid genuine gemstone, which is printed with the name in hieroglyphics in 24 carat gold.

2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ 1/2oz Silver Proof - Perth Mint

2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ 1/2oz Silver Proof Coin featuring:

• Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
• Stunning Reverse Design
• Australian Legal Tender
• Limited Mintage – 10,000
• Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
• Souvenir Presentation Packaging

The FIFA World Cup is the ultimate competition for any football fan. The Perth Mint is thrilled to present this official licensed product for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™.

Get behind our Australian team with this fantastic memento, as the world’s best players battle it out for final victory.

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

The coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 1/2oz of 99.9% pure silver.

Original Reverse Design

The coloured coin’s reverse depicts a representation of a soccer player incorporating an Aboriginal motif and a map of Australia. The design also includes the inscription 2014 FIFA WORLD CUP BRAZIL™ and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.

Limited Mintage

The Perth Mint will release no more than 10,000 coins.

Australian Legal Tender

Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.

Souvenir Presentation Packaging

The coin is presented in a prestigious display case and souvenir shipper that includes a specially designed numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Australian Outback 2012 Coloured Kangaroo, Koala and Kookaburra 1/2 Ounce Silver Coin Collection - Perth Mint

Australian Outback 2012 Coloured Silver Coin Collection at The Perth Mint, featuring:

• Original 2012 Kangaroo, Koala & Kookaburra Designs
• 99.9% Pure Silver
• Limited Release – 5,000
• Australian Legal Tender
• Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
• Presentation Packaging

The kangaroo, koala and kookaburra are the most iconic of Australia’s fauna. For the first time, all three designs are being offered in a prestigious and highly collectable three-coin presentation.

The kangaroo represents Australia all around the world. This magnificent creature is designed to hop great distances required for survival in the outback, where water and vegetation can sometimes be scarce. The kangaroo also comes with a ready-made pouch so that it can carry and nurture its young while on the move.

Like the kangaroo, the koala symbolises all things Australian. Often thought to be a member of the bear family, the koala is really a marsupial, with a pouch for its young. In the outback, this wonderful creature has adapted to the country’s extreme conditions by spending its life in trees and feeding on eucalypt leaves. It’s a little known fact that the koala’s fingerprints are remarkably similar to those of human beings.

The Australian kookaburra is world-renowned for its laughing call, which can be heard usually at sunrise and sunset. The eerie laughing has found its way into popular culture, which makes this bird even more unique. Related to the kingfisher family, the extraordinary kookaburra is actually a carnivore and extremely territorial.
The sound of kookaburras singing in a dawn chorus, in the Australian outback, is a truly incredible experience.

Original 2012 Kangaroo, Koala and Kookaburra Designs

The kangaroo coin’s reverse portrays a coloured image of a kangaroo set against a bush scene and windmill. The design includes the inscription AUSTRALIAN KANGAROO.

The koala coin's reverse depicts a coloured image of an adult koala sleeping on the branch of a eucalyptus tree. The design includes the inscription AUSTRALIAN KOALA.

The kookaburra coin’s reverse portrays a coloured image of a kookaburra perched on a tree branch with gum leaves. The design includes the inscription AUSTRALIAN KOOKABURRA.

The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark and the 2012 year-date are also included on each coin’s reverse design.

99.9% Pure Silver

Each coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 1/2oz of 99.9% pure silver in specimen quality.

Limited Release

No more than 5,000 of these 1/2oz three-coin collections will be released.

Australian Legal Tender

Issued as Australian legal tender, each coin’s obverse bears the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the monetary denomination.

Presentation Packaging

This three-coin collection is presented in a prestigious display case with an illustrated shipper and accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

2013 Pronghorn Antelope - The 5th in the Royal Canadian Mints Wildlife Series

2013 Pronghorn Antelope - The 5th in the Royal Canadian Mints Wildlife Series

 

Low mintage of Just One Million

9999 Fine 

$5 Legal Tender 

Shipping Mid September 2012!

Dragons of Legend St George And The Dragon 2012 1 oz Silver Proof Coin - Perth Mint Australia

Dragons of Legend – St George and the Dragon 2012 1oz Silver Proof Coin at The Perth Mint, featuring:

• Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
• Spectacular Coloured Reverse Design
• Extremely Limited Mintage – 5,000
• Tuvalu Legal Tender
• Illustrated Presentation Packaging
• Donation to UNICEF-Australia
• Commissioned product struck by The Perth Mint
•  

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

The coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality.

Spectacular Coloured Reverse Design

The coin’s reverse portrays a dramatic coloured portrait of St George as he is about to slay the dragon, set against an ancient landscape.  Included on the reverse are the words ST GEORGE AND THE DRAGON and the monetary denomination.

Extremely Limited Mintage

No more than 5,000 of these coins will be issued by The Perth Mint.

Tuvalu Legal Tender

Issued as Tuvalu legal tender, the coin’s obverse depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the year-date and the monetary denomination.

Illustrated Presentation Packaging

This coin is housed in a black presentation case and illustrated shipper accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

ANA COIN SHOW SPECIAL 2012 AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK - KOALA 1OZ SILVER COIN - Perth Mint Australia

ANA Coin Show Special 2012 Australian Outback – Koala 1oz Silver Coin at The Perth Mint, featuring:

• Specimen Quality 99.9% Pure Silver 
• Stunning Coloured Koala Design 
• Perth Mint ‘P’ Mintmark 
• Australian Legal Tender 
• Extremely Limited Mintage – 5,000
• ANA Coin Show Packaging 
• Numbered Certificate of Authenticity

The Perth Mint are releasing a very limited number of these 2012 ANA Coin Show Specials online.
The coin features the cuddly Australian koala.  In the outback, this wonderful creature has adapted to the country’s extreme conditions by spending its life up high in trees, in a cooler more airy habitat.  The eucalyptus leaves from the same tree provide its main food source.

Specimen Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

Issued at the 2012 ANA World’s Fair of Money in Philadelphia, the coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in specimen quality.

Stunning Coloured Koala Design

The coin's reverse depicts an adorable coloured image of an adult koala sleeping on the branch of a eucalyptus tree.  The design includes the inscription AUSTRALIAN KOALA, the year-date and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.

Australian Legal Tender

Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin’s obverse depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the 2012 year-date.

Extremely Limited Mintage

No more than 5,000 of these ANA Coin Show Specials will be released.

ANA Coin Show Packaging

The coin is housed in a classic display case and shipper, identifying the coin as The Perth Mint’s official 2012 Philadelphia ANA World’s Fair of Money Show Special.

Numbered Certificate of Authenticity

Each coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Celebrating 40 Years of China and Australia Friendship Silver Coin

The Perth Mint of Australia is celebrating four decades of a flourishing relationship between two countries with the release of a new silver coin. The 2012 China and Australia 40 Years of Friendship Silver Coin is available now from the Perth and honors the relationship with a reverse design depicting two creatures from the affiliated countries.

2012 is the 40th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the country of China and the country of Australia. Official ties were formed on December 21, 1972 and have grown to become a strong bond fostered through commerce, travel, education and political channels. The interweaving of the two cultures has led to a greater understanding of both. In addition, it has also resulted in many Australian-born Chinese and Chinese-born Australians further solidifying the ties between the two countries.

Coin Designs and Specifications

Shown on the reverse is a kangaroo representing Australia and a giant panda representing China. The two animals are poised as if in recognition of one another. Both are considered iconic animals for their countries and their use on a single coin further exemplifies the relationship between China and Australia.

Shown above the animals are the colorized flags of Australia and China. Reverse inscriptions include "CHINA AND AUSTRALIA 40 YEARS" in both English and in Chinese. Also shown are the years of the lasting friendship of the two countries, "1972-2012." Additionally, the reverse contains the Perth Mint’s historic ‘P’ mintmark.

The obverse depicts Ian Rank-Broadley’s effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The portrait is surrounded by the inscriptions of "ELIZABETH II," "AUSTRALIA," "2012," "1 DOLLAR" and "1 oz 999 SILVER."

The coin is composed of one ounce of 99.9% pure silver. It is struck as legal tender of Australia under the Australian Currency Act of 1965 and features a face value of AUS $1.

China and Australia Friendship Silver Coin Specifications

Silver Content (Troy oz)	1
Face Value (AUS)	$1
Fineness (% purity)	99.9
Minimum Gross Weight (g)	31.135
Maximum Diameter (mm)	40.60
Maximum Thickness (mm)	4.00

Each 40 Years of Friendship Silver Coin is presented in a black display case. Included along with the coin and case is a numbered certificate of authenticity that indicates the limited mintage of 5,000 coins. The coin ships inside an illustrated shipper which showcases pictures of a kangaroo and a giant panda.