The New Zealand Mint continues on with the task of bringing the gold versions of its very popular Feng Shui series of coins in line with the silver. Initially debuting as a coloured silver coin series only, they started releasing the designs in an uncoloured ¼oz gold format a couple of years later back in April 2014 with the Koi. After the Koi came the Cranes, still for me the best silver release, followed by the Horses, a coin that greatly improved on the weak silver design. The Elephant launched in September. As of now, only the Dragon remains a silver-only design, and it’s possible the next launch may be a simultaneous gold and silver one, probably the NZM’s ultimate aim.

As before, the coin is excellently packaged in the wooden box the NZ Mint use for almost all their gold output, even the licenced properties. Not as cool as the exceptional lacquered boxes they use for the silver coins, but it’s too late to alter that now. Limited to just 888 pieces, the number eight being considered lucky in Chinese culture, the coin seems to have risen in price from $550.00 USD to $630 according to the marketing material. Hopefully that’s a typo. The design seems to work better in gold better than in silver, but the images, despite being of an actual coin, aren’t greay again. We may have access to one soon, so will certainly photograph one to give you a better look at these quite beautiful coins.Late going up for sale on the NZ Mint website again,  it will no doubt be up very shortly.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

REVERSE: This features the moment of rebirth, as the transformed Phoenix rises up into the air. Around the bird, auspicious Peony flowers are engraved against a proof quality polished background.

OBVERSE: This features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

PACKAGING: The Feng Shui Phoenix 1/4 oz 9999 Fine Gold coin is displayed inside a classic wooden inner coin case, which sits inside a themed outer box. The packaging makes this an ideal gift item. The Certificate of Authenticity sits within the coin case.