Chinese and Welsh Dragons combine for the Royal Mint’s latest bullion coin

It’s clear the Royal Mint has big plans for its bullion coin offerings, going from the relatively limited Britannia and Sovereign ranges of a few years ago to a whole plethora of different issues available today. With a lunar range well under way and the superb Queens Beasts garnering praise as it works its way through ten different issues, you’d think the mint would have its hands full, but smaller limited releases are also joining the fray. New to the mix is a coin that will be distributed by Hong Kong based dealer, LPM.

Called Two Dragons, the coin cleverly uses a mix of these mythical creatures as depicted in Chinese and Welsh culture – ideal given LPM is in Hong Kong and the Royal Mint is in Wales. The two different interpretations work superbly together, especially posed to face each other across a yin-yang line as they are. Designed by Tim Noad, this looks a winner. The obverse has a geometric background design called guilloche that has been seen on previous bullion coins from this mint. The reverse face has a clean background, however.

Available as a one-ounce fine silver bullion coin with a 50,000 mintage, this is a true bullion coin and will be sold as such. A gold version is to quickly follow with a mintage of 5,000 pieces – we believe also one-ounce in weight. We can imagine this one having appeal in the East and the West, and it may join a run of limited mintage bullion coins from various mints that have appreciated quickly. Available to order at LPM right now.

MINTS DESCRIPTION: The Welsh dragon is a fearsome beast, once flown on the banners of the battlefield. In Chinese mythology, dragons can control the elements and are symbols of power and strength. As The Royal Mint celebrates 50 years at its current home in South Wales and continues to expand its bullion business into Asia, it is only fitting that we release a coin celebrating the legendary creature that links two very different cultures. For 2018 we are excited to present a new  investment opportunity – a silver one ounce bullion coin featuring two dragons side by side.

REVERSE: Depicts two dragons – one either side of a line reminiscent of the yin/yang symbol. Above the line is a stylised Chinese dragon. Below the line is the symbolic Welsh Dragon. Inscribed at top is ‘TWO DRAGONS’ and at bottom the composition of the coin ‘ ONE OUNCE FINE SILVER 999’ and the date ‘2018’.

OBVERSE: Depicts the Royal Mint exclusive effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark. Surrounding that is the denomination ‘2 POUNDS’ and the name ELIZABETH II. D. G. REG. F. D.’

SPECIFICATION
DENOMINATION £2 UKP TBC
COMPOSITION 0.999 silver 0.999 gold
WEIGHT 31.21 grams 31.21 grams (TBC)
DIAMETER 38.61 mm 32.69 mm (TBC)
FINISH Brilliant uncirculated Brilliant uncirculated
MODIFICATIONS None None
MINTAGE 50,000 5,000
BOX / COA No / No No / No