Aus 2012 Dragon 1 Oz Proof w/Color Silver - eBay
Get this most
auspicious Yellow Dragon while you can!
The
ANDA (Australian Numismatic Dealers Association) held its third show
of 2012 in Melbourne in July. To celebrate this numismatic gathering in
Australia's second largest city, the Perth Mint and Talisman
Coins
are proud to offer
this unique and truly scarce Yellow
Dragon! The dragon
is the most popular theme in modern numismatics. Don't delay!
The Yellow
Dragon
The obverse of the coin depicts a yellow or gold dragon with purple
detailing,
chasing after a pearl of wisdom. Yellow is considered the most
beautiful of all colors, and was therefore the color of Imperial China.
Yellow often decorates royal palaces, altars and temples, and the color
was used in the robes and attire of the emperors. Yellow is the color
of good luck, and symbolizes Earth, hence the Chinese saying, Yellow generates Yin and Yang,
suggesting that yellow is the center of everything. For its part, the
color purple has, of course, been associated with royalty
and nobility for at over two thousand years.
This large,
impressive
coin represents a tremendous value, struck in pure
silver!
The Perth Mint's Lunar Zodiac Series II coins are huge! At more than 45
mm in diameter, they are
nearly 2
inches across! This beauty is made all the more desirable by
the Mint's execution of this intriguing animal
motif in pure
silver, artistically rendered in reverse
proof finish with striking,
vibrant hues! The full color design
is highlighted in frosty white cameo relief, on
deeply mirrored
fields (or
background), further enhancing an already handsome design (which
is
even nicer looking than the mint-supplied images suggest). Between the
large size, the low mintage (only 5,000!), and the beauty of the
design and proof finish, we
think
you'll be impressed with this affordable, pure silver
dollar!
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 Rabbit (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 Perth Mint of Australia employs its own proprietary
colorization technology, in which the color is actually sealed on the
coin. The vibrant hues and precise execution of the technology create a
stunning, full-color portrait on each coin.
Obverse
A rampaging, imperial Chinese yellow dragon with purple highlights
chases after the pearl of
wisdom. The
legend YEAR OF THE DRAGON
defines the theme. The Chinese character for "Dragon" is to the right,
while
the Perth Mint's "P" mint mark is judiciously placed to the right, near
the 3:00 position along the rim.
Reverse
The reverse features Her Majesty, Queen
Elizabeth II, in
crowned profile facing
right. This portrait, featuring Her Majesty wearing a tiara and pearl
earrings, was executed by the sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley. The
legend 1 OZ 999 SILVER guarantees the weight and purity. The
legend ELIZABETH II, the date and the denomination also appear.
Packaging
The coin is
encapsulated inside an elegant, red and black
presentation case lined with black velvet & satin and protected
by
a full color outer box. An individually-numbered certificate of
authenticity is included.
Specifications
Country |
Australia |
Mint |
Perth Mint of Australia |
Year
of Issue |
2012 |
|
|
Face
Value |
One
Dollar |
Weight |
31.135
g |
Diameter |
45.60
mm (nearly 2 inches!) |
Gauge
(Thickness) |
2.60 mm |
Mintage Limit |
5,000 |
|
|
Finish |
Reverse
Proof
with Color |
Composition |
.999
Fine (Pure) Silver |
Edge |
Reeded
(milled, serrated) |
|
|
Artist |
Ian Rank-Broadley (reverse) |
Certificate |
Individually Numbered |
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