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Celebrate the most auspicious Year of the Dragon with this mightily dramatic, classic round shaped one troy ounce pure silver proof!

The year 2012 is ruled by the most popular and auspicious of all the lunar zodiac signs - the ferocious Dragon! The Dragon personality is the ultimate doer; s/he tackles everything with fiery enthusiasm. The Dragon is extremely loyal to its loved ones and will come to the rescue every time. Despite long odds, forget about steering a Dragon away from a disastrous situation - duty calls! The Dragon may have a big ego and demanding ways, but s/he inspires everyone with whom it comes into contact. It's charisma and magical character are too captivating to resist. This mighty, mythical beast is made all the more desirable by the Royal Canadian Mint's new round-shaped dragon pure silver proof, dramatically rendered by the fine engravers at the Mint in precious silver!

The Year of the Dragon - Most Powerful and Auspicious!
Centuries ago, the Chinese invented a calendar based on the lunar (rather than the solar) cycle. There are twelve animals in the Chinese lunar zodiac, each corresponding in sequence to a year rather than a month.

In 2012 we celebrate the Year of the Dragon. According to tradition, people born during a Year of the Dragon (1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, and 2012) are said to exhibit that animal’s attributes. While Dragons frequently help others, rarely will they ask for help. Others are attracted to Dragons, especially their colorful personalities, but deep down, Dragons prefer to be alone. Perhaps that is because they’re most successful when working alone. Their preference to be alone can come across as arrogance or conceitedness, but these qualities aren't applicable. Dragons have tempers that can flare fast! They’re driven, unafraid of challenges, and willing to take risks. They’re passionate in all they do and they do things in grand fashion.

The Dragon
The Oriental or Chinese concept of the dragon is much different than the European notion of this beast. Whereas in the West dragons are nearly always evil, fire breathing creatures of immense size and destructiveness, in the East they are beloved. Chinese dragons are benevolent, representing most auspicious powers, particularly control over water, rainfall, and floods. In yin and yang terminology, a dragon is yang (male) and perfectly complements a yin (female) fenghuang, the mythical "Chinese phoenix".

The dragon is a mystical being, able to use an almost unlimited range of magical or supernatural powers. It is able to disguise itself as a silkworm, or become as large as our entire universe. It can fly among the clouds or hide in water. It can form clouds, turn into water or fire, become invisible or glow in the dark. It is interesting to note that the Oriental dragon's ability to fly is a magical (not a physical) ability; unlike European dragons, Chinese dragons are rarely if ever depicted with physical wings.

Historically, the dragon was the symbol of the Emperor of China. Many pictures of oriental dragons show a flaming pearl under their chin. The pearl is associated with wealth, good luck, and prosperity. In Chinese culture, the pearl also symbolizes perfection, which is only obtained through the highest forms of wisdom. As such, the pearl is retained in the clutches of the dragon, who, like the emperor, reveals great "pearls of wisdom" as it bestows abundance and prosperity upon its people.

Investment Note
This coin features the most powerful and auspicious of all the animals in the Chinese Lunar Zodiac - the Dragon. The dragon is always the most popular animal, and always sells out. Previous Year of the Dragon coins now sell for many multiples of their issue prices. Don't delay, tame your dragon today!

Technology Note
The Royal Canadian Mint refines the purest silver in the world. The RCM is also the only mint in the world to issue commemorative coins in a .9999 fineness. This one troy ounce fine silver coin is 99.99% pure!

Obverse

A sensational rendering of a mythical Chinese dragon. The Chinese characters for "Dragon" appears to the above. The date and denomination are also indicated.

Reverse

Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, in profile facing right. This portrait, the fourth effigy of the queen to appear on Canadian Coinage, was executed by the artist Susanna Blunt. The legend ELIZABETH II D. G. REGINA ("Elizabeth II, Queen by the Grace of God") also appears.

Packaging

The coin is encapsulated inside an exquisite, silver satin, clamshell-style presentation case, lined with black velvet and satin, and protected by a red outer sleeve. An individually-numbered certificate of authenticity is included.

Specifications

Country	Canada
Year of Issue	2012

Face Value	15 Dollars
Weight	31.39 g
Diameter	38.00 mm
Mintage Limit	48,888

Finish	Proof
Composition	.9999 Fine (Pure) Silver
Edge	Serrated (milled, reeded)

Artist	Aries Cheung
Certificate	Individually Numbered