Another new silver bullion coin from the Perth Mint in a year full of new and interesting designs. Despite seemingly having their hands full with multiple ranges, Perth likes to dabble in limited runs of unique designs, and with a 50,000 mintage and no history, this is certainly a classic example.

Positioned around the flaming pearl, the design is inspired by the Asian tales of the Dragon, usually male, and the Phoenix. The Dragon represents Yang and the Phoenix Yin, core concepts in Feng Shui. Already amongst the most powerful symbols in Chinese culture, the two are said to strengthen each other when paired.

The design is nice and different, a refreshing departure from the usual mix of modern symbolism and animals. The coin is struck in 0.9999 silver and at 40.6mm, is the standard size of the rest of the Perth Mint silver bullion range, excluding the generally larger Lunar range ironically. The obverse has the usual Ian Rank Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II upon it. There’s only a one-ounce version at present and no gold. While we don’t expect them, it hasn’t been specifically ruled out in any information we’ve seen.

Available to order now from Perth Mint Bullion or from Ainslie Bullion, we don’t doubt that this one will spread to other dealers quite rapidly. Expect premiums to be higher than average – no more than can be expected given the limited mintage and semi-numismatic status. The Perth Mint is selling them at around spot plus 30% when 600 are ordered.

The Perth Mint is delighted to unveil a new Australian legal tender silver bullion coin featuring a design abounding in Chinese symbolism. Complementing the annual Australian Bullion Coin Program, the 2017 Dragon and Phoenix is a standalone release meticulously struck from 1oz of 99.99% pure silver. An excellent way for investors to accumulate silver from one of the world’s most trusted sources, the coin’s maximum mintage of just 50,000 is also expected to inspire considerable interest among collectors.

Chinese symbolism

The dragon has supreme status in Chinese mythology as the greatest divine force on Earth. The Phoenix is regarded as an immortal bird whose rare appearance foreshadows harmony at the ascent to the throne of a new emperor. In Feng Shui, the dragon and phoenix are perfect matches for one another. The phoenix is ‘yin’ while the dragon is ‘yang’ in the Chinese philosophical account of natural balance and interdependence. Their portrayal together is a widely recognized symbol of everlasting love.

The coin’s reverse depicts exquisitely detailed representations of both mythical creatures on a background of stylized clouds. The design includes a flaming pearl – a sign of wisdom, prosperity, and power. The reverse also incorporates a ‘P’ mintmark reflecting The Perth Mint’s 117 years of excellence in precious metal minting.

Superb quality

This stunning coin features a high quality bullion finish comprising polished design elements on a delicately frosted background. Often referred to as ‘reverse proof’, the finish is associated with the highest quality bullion coins in the world.

Availability

While stocks last, the 2017 Dragon and Phoenix 1oz silver bullion coin may be purchased in person from the Bullion Desk at The Perth Mint Shop, or online from www.perthmintbullion.com. Alternatively, Australian buyers can contact Ainslie Bullion in Brisbane.