Mythical Dragons 2oz coin series from the NZ Mint heads to China with The Four Dragons

Following the Red Dragon of the Britons that was released last November, the NZ Mint has launched the second of its Mythical Dragons two-ounce silver coins. Jumping continents from Europe to Asia, this issue depicts the tale of The Four Dragons from Chinese mythology. A subject with a heavy presence in numismatic circles, what has the mint done to distinguish itself with this design?

Depicting all four of the beasts, there are smatterings of colour throughout the reverse face and the image has moved away from the purely symbolic look of much of the competition, to a more ‘realistic’ depiction. The mix of colour and antique finishes that worked so well on Warriors of History is again emplyed to good effect. A nice enough coin, it doesn’t really compete with the big guns, but is significantly cheaper. Packaging is superb. We absolutely love these little book-boxes and it seems to fit this theme extremely well. Available from today, it has a mintage of 2,000 and a rrp of $130.00 USD.

REVERSE: Combines the use of colour and engraving to illustrates the Chinese folktale of The Four Dragons bringing rain and prosperity to the barren lands of China.

OBVERSE: These features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Country of Issue – Niue.