Today's coin reveal post features the 1oz .9999 Silver 2018 Dragon and Phoenix Proof Coin struck by the Perth Mint.

1. Coin Story

This coin struck by the Perth Mint has been designed with the Chinese Culture and Market in mind. The coin design as the name suggests features two Chinese mythical creatures, the dragon and the phoenix. The below descriptions of the dragon, the phoenix and the flaming pearl are taken from the Certificate of Authenticity that accompanies this coin.

It is amazing how much I learn about mythology and difference cultures from my passion of coin collecting. A lot of the random bit of knowledge and information that I know hold in my brain come directly from reading the COA's that accompany coins, or from doing some research into the origin or design of a coin and then falling deep into the rabbit whole along the way.

a) The Dragon

In Chinese culture the dragon is revered as a divine mythical creature. It is a symbol of power, strength, wealth and good fortune.

b) The Phoenix

The Phoenix is regarded as an immortal bird whose rare appearance foreshadows harmony at the ascent to the throne of a new emperor.

c) The Dragon and The Phoenix

In feng shui, the dragon and the phoenix are considered perfect matches for one another. The phoenix is 'yin' while the dragon is 'yang' in the traditional Chinese philosophical account of natural balance and interdependence.

d) The Flaming Pearl

The flaming pearl is viewed as a metaphor for wisdom and enlightenment. It is also said to rid a person of their troubles, bringing career success as well as fortune and good health. Dragons are frequently depicted in pursuit of the flaming pearl, which is represented as swirling through mist, smoke and shadows.

2. Coin Packaging

These coins are packaged in individual sealed plastic capsules. Each coin is protected by the black clam shell case with the Perth Mint Swan logo indented into the bottom left corner of the case . The clam shell case is housed in a beautiful metallic red cardboard outer box. The phoenix and the dragon are featured on the box in gold print. The words "DRAGON & PHOENIX" and "1oz SILVER PROOF COIN" are prominently featured in the centre of the metallic red box.

3. Coin Details

a. Mintage

The mintage of this coin was 2,500 coins. Each of the coins were issued as legal tender under the authority of the Australian Government with the denomination of $1 (Australian).

b. Purity

The purity of the coin is .9999 fine silver.

c. Details

Mint/Brand:	The Perth Mint
Silver Content:	1 Troy Ounce
Purity:	.9999 Fine Silver
Denomination:	$1 (Australian)
Year of Issue:	2018
Edge:	Milled
Mintage:	2,500
Diameter:	40.6mm
Thickness:	3mm

4. Coin Design

a. Reverse Design

The reverse design by Thomas Vaughan depicts a representation of the Chinese mythical creatures the dragon and the phoenix circling a flaming pearl. The dragon is shown to be reaching for the flaming pearl. In the background there are stylised clouds and hidden just to the right of the dragon is the 'P' for the Perth Mint mintmark.

The reverse design does not include any inscriptions or words, which is quite unique, the entire reverse side of the coin is encompassed by the core design features, the dragon, the phoenix and the flaming pearl.

b. Obverse Design

The obverse of the coin portrays the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The design also includes the inscriptions 'ELIZABETH II', country of origin 'AUSTRALIA', the coin purity '1oz 9999 Ag', the year of issue '2018' and the denomination '1 DOLLAR' (Australian).

Post authored by @strenue