3095) Mythical Dragon, Perth Mint, Australia: “Lunar Zodiac Gold and Silver Bullion Coin Series III": Date/Year of Bullion Coins issue: 2024:
The Header/Banner showcases the Silver, Gold and Platinum Coins against a background representation of a Mythical Dragon. The Header is titled - "LUNAR ZODIAC - 2024".
How does the Lunar Calendar or Chinese Zodiac Cycle work?
I consulted some of the books which have been kept in my personal library and got acquainted with some interesting facts about the Chinese Zodiac/Lunar Calendar:
The exact origins of the 12 animal signs is rather lost in the obscurity of time, but there is no doubt that they originated in China. In terms of the Chinese astrological "history", the 12 animals are of a rather recent introduction - for it seems that in the 2nd Century BC, Ssu Ma Chi'en (163-85 BC), who was the grand astrologer to Emperor Wu Ti, wrote the Shi Chi or "historical record" up to that time. In this book, there is no "Zodiac" or mention of the 12 animals.
Originally, the 12-year cycle that it takes the planet Jupiter to complete one orbit of the Sun was believed to have defined the earlier calendars. The Chinese still call this cycle "The Great Year" and each month corresponds to one of our own years.
By the 10th Century AD, however, after Buddhism had been established in China, Calendar Almanacs, such as those written by Tibetan monks in exile in the "Caves of the Thousand Buddhas" monastery in the remote reaches of North-western China, depicting the 12 animals, came into existence.
The legend of the Conference of animals called by the Buddha and naming of the 12-year cycle after 12 animals for the Chinese Lunar Calendar:
According to a legend, it was the Buddha (583-463 BC), who created the 12-animal cycle.
He is believed to have invited all the animals in the land to hold a conference together. The Buddha was not surprised, as in his wisdom, he knew that some of the animals were friendly towards others, while others were inimical/enemies.
To encourage attendance, he decided to name the years after the first twelve animals, in order of their arrival.
An invitation from the Buddha was hard to resist, and when they heard the news, all the animals set off at once, each determined to be the first to arrive.
Tiger, because of his energy and speed, at first took the lead. Soon, though, he began to tire and the early lead that he had achieved over his next rival Ox, who may have been slow, but had great stamina, soon dissipated. Ox reached the Buddha ahead of Tiger and prepared to bow down low to receive his honour.
But, what the sturdy Ox did not know was that clever Rat had sneaked a ride on his tail!!
Just before Ox's nose touched the floor at the Buddha's feet, nimble and swift Rat ran up the Ox's tail, along his back and jumped off his nose, thus winning the race to be the first to bow before the Buddha.
So Rat (or "Tze" or "Xi" is its Chinese name"), became the first animal in the Chinese Lunar Calendar/Zodiac, followed by a rather resentful Ox ("Chou").
Tiger ("Yin"), Rabbit ("Mao"), Dragon ("Chen"), Snake ("Si"), Horse ("Wu"), Goat ("Wei"), Monkey ("Shen"), Rooster ("You"), Dog ("Xu") and Pig ("Hu"), all followed, and in that order, paid homage to the Buddha and were each honoured with a year.
Interestingly, Dragon is the only mythical beast in the Chinese Circle of Zodiacal animals.
According to the Lunar or Chinese Zodiac, each year is assigned to the above-referred animals, in accordance to a 12-year cycle:
The lunar calendar is 12 months long, with each month corresponding roughly to one cycle of the Moon's movement - from a new moon, through to a full Moon and back to a new Moon.
The lunar calendar is also known as the agricultural calendar as it divides the year into seasons. Agriculture was the principal economy of ancient China.
Even today, the lunar calendar still has great significance for the Chinese people, who use it to set the luckiest dates for traditional events and activities, such as weddings, funerals, launching new ventures and moving to a new house.
The Mythical Dragon:
The Perth Mint has released its 2024-dated “Lunar Zodiac” Gold and Silver Bullion Coins, which are the fifth design in the current series III.
The Lunar series is a popular topic for Gold and Silver Bullion and Proof-quality coins since they were first released by the Perth Mint in 1996.
Since that time, they have released two previous series with the third currently in its fifth year and due to conclude in 2030.
Each Australian Lunar series from the Perth Mint is based on the 12 actual and mythical animals in the Chinese Zodiac.
For 2024, the Lunar year, which begins on the 10th February, features the mythical - Dragon.
Those born under the influence/sign of the Dragon in the years 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, and 2024 are said to exhibit the traits of bravery, ambition, intelligence, and ultimately enjoy good fortune during their lifetime.
The Gold and Silver Bullion Coins:
The Reverse of the Gold, Silver and Platinum Coins portray a mythical dragon with stylised waves and fog — allusions to its control of the elements.
The design on the silver strikes differs from the gold and platinum as the dragon is portrayed as front-facing and breathing out flames of fire.
Included on both designs is the Chinese character for “Dragon,” along with the inscription "DRAGON 2024".
During 2024, a special addition of the P125 privy mark will be included on some collector and bullion coins, signifying the Perth Mint’s 125th Anniversary.
The Obverse of the Gold, Silver and Platinum Coins includes the memorial effigy of Late Queen Elizabeth II (1926–2022) designed by Jody Clark along with the years of her reign, 1952 and 2022, which is shown as part of the legend surrounding the Queen’s effigy.
On the outer periphery is inscribed - "ELIZABETH II. 1952-2022. AUSTRALIA. (DENOMINATION OF THE COIN $1 (Silver), $ 100 DOLLARS - Gold and Platinum)".
The Bullion Coins have been issued in three variants:
i) The Silver Variant:
The specifications of the $1 (One Dollar) Silver Coin Variant are:
Country of issue: Australia; Date/Year: 2024; Coin Theme: " Lunar Series - The Mythical Dragon": Denomination/Face Value: $1 (One Dollar); Metal Composition: .9999 Fineness Silver (Ag); Weight: 1.00 Oz or 31.1 grams; Diameter/Size: 40.9 mm; Coin Quality: Bullion; Mint: Perth Mint, Australia; Mintage: 300,000 pieces; Designer: Ing Ing Jong.
ii) The Gold Variant:
The specifications of the $100 (One Hundred Dollars) Gold Coin Variant are:
Country of issue: Australia; Date/Year: 2024; Coin Theme: " Lunar Series - The Mythical Dragon": Denomination/Face Value: $100 (One Hundred Dollars); Metal Composition: .9999 Fineness Gold (Au); Weight: 1.00 Oz or 31.1 grams; Diameter/Size: 32.6 mm; Coin Quality: Bullion; Mint: Perth Mint, Australia; Mintage: 30,000 pieces; Designer: Ing Ing Jong.
iii) The Platinum Variant:
The specifications of the $100 (One Hundred Dollars) Platinum Coin Variant are:
Country of issue: Australia; Date/Year: 2024; Coin Theme: " Lunar Series - The Mythical Dragon": Denomination/Face Value: $100 (One Hundred Dollars); Metal Composition: .9995 Fineness Platinum (Pl); Weight: 1.00 Oz or 31.1 grams; Diameter/Size: 32.6 mm; Coin Quality: Bullion; Mint: Perth Mint, Australia; Mintage: 5,000 pieces; Designer: Ing Ing Jong.
- The coins and weights are available from 10 ounces to 1/10th ounce in gold, one ounce in platinum, and two ounces to 1/2 ounce in silver with additional weights to come. Each coin is individually encapsulated.
Links to some more posts on the Chinese Lunar calendar/Zodiac signs on this Blog:
New Year Lucky Coin Releases:
The Tarot Card Collection:
11) "Wheel of Fortune", Tarot Cards, Niue Island: The Eleventh $2 (Two Dollars) Coin Card released by the New Zealand Mint on behalf of Niue Island: Year of Coin issue: 2023
12) "Justice", Tarot Cards, Niue Island: The Twelfth $2 (Two Dollars) Coin Card releasedby the New Zealand Mint on behalf of Niue Island: Year of Coin issue: 2023
13) "The Hanged Man", Tarot Cards, Niue Island: The Thirteenth $2 (Two Dollars) Coin Card released by the New Zealand Mint on behalf of Niue Island: Year of Coin issue: 2023
14) "Death", Tarot Cards, Niue Island: The Thirteenth $2 (Two Dollars) Coin Card in the Major Arcana released by the New Zealand Mint on behalf of Niue Island: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2023
15) "Temperance", Tarot Cards, Niue Island: The Fourteenth $2 (Two Dollars) Coin Card in the Major Arcana released by the New Zealand Mint on behalf of Niue Island: Year of Coin issue: 2023
Other Posts on James Bond movies/franchise on this blog:
i) A James Bond Mega issue by Royal Mail, UK, celebrating the 25th Bond Movie "No Time to Die" and presenting all six actors who have acted as James Bond over the years, together with "Q Branch's" path defining gadgets/machines; ii) A combo issue of Royal Mail Stamps and Royal Mint, UK's Gold, Silver and BU Coins
ii) Casino Royale Poker Chip Replica, Tuvalu: Perth Mint Australia has brought out $1 (One Dollar) Silver Bullion Coins that mark James Bond Day: Coins issued on behalf of Tuvalu: Date/Year of Coin issue: 04.010.2023
Links:
The Punk Universe Banknote/Voucher & Coin Series:
Links to other Coins in the Cyborg Revolution Coin Series" issued in this Series:
Great Birds Coin Series:
i) Wandering Albatross, Niue Island: "Great Birds Coin Series": First Coin in the Series: A $5 (Five Dollars) Wandering Albatross shaped Silver Coin released by the New Zealand Mint on behalf of the Niue Island: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2023
Runes:
1) Did You Know Series (81): Runes, Germania Mint: A set of six Silver Antique Finish (AF) Runes - part of a set of 24 - used as a Divination Tool by using stones with symbols to answer questions about the last, present, and future: Year of Runes minted: 2023
Links to interesting posts from the South Pacific Island of Fiji:
Posts on Disney Occasions - Disney100:
i) Mickey Mouse and Friends, Niue Island: "Disney 100 Years of Wonder Coin Series (1923-2023)": A 1 oz Silver Coin minted by the New Zealand Mint on behalf of Niue Island: Year of Coin issue: 2023
ii) Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, Niue Island: "Disney 100 Years of Wonder Coin Series (1923-2023)": A 1/4 oz Gold Coin minted by the New Zealand Mint on behalf of Niue Island: Year of Coin issue: 2023
Post of "Avatar - The Way of Water":
i) "Avatar - The Way of Water", New Zealand: New Zealand Post has issued a set of postage stamps, which feature characters from the movie, which was also filmed in New Zealand: Date of Stamps issue: 01.03.2023
Posts on "The Lord Of The Rings" on this blog:
Wildlife in the Australian Antarctic Territory Coin Series:
Australian Dolphins Coin Series:
Australia's Coat of Arms Coin Series:
Links:
Other links to some interesting posts on Coins brought out by Coin Invest Trust on behalf of other countries including the Australian Continent:
Steampunk Coin Series:
Links to other posts on Metropolis Tiffany Art Coin Series:
Classic Australian Children's Books Coin Series:
1) "Animalia", A Book by Graeme Base, Australia: "Classic Australian Children's Books Coin Series": "35th Anniversary of Animalia (1986-2021);" The Royal Australian Mint (RAM) has issued a coloured 20c (Cent) Coin featuring the cover of this popular book: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2021
2) "Diary of a Wombat", Australia: "Classic Australian Children's Books Coin Series": 20th Anniversary of Diary of a Wombat (2002-2022)": The Royal Australian Mint (RAM) has issued the second 20c (Cent) Coin in the Series featuring this popular book: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2022
Links:
Links to Legendary Lands Coin Series:
Links to Code of the Future Coin Series:
Discovery of America Coin Series:
Links:
Fury of Nature Coin Series:
Amazing Animals Coin Series:
Links to posts on the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Coin Series:
Links to posts on "The Mandalorian Classic Coin Collection on this Blog:
i) The Mandalorian, Niue Island: New Zealand Mint has issued Gold and Silver Coins depicting the popular STAR WARS spin-off; ii) "Grogu" ("Baby Yoda"): Year of Coin issue: 2021
2) "Cara Dune", Niue Island: Second Coin in "The Mandalrian Classic Coin Collection": New Zealand Mint has issued a $2 (Two Dollars - NZD) Silver Coins depicting character from the STAR WARS Spin-off, on behalf of Niue Island: Year of Coin issue: 2021
3) "ASSASSIN DROID IG-11", Niue Island: Third Coin in "THe Mandalorian Classic Coin Collection": New Zealand Mint has issued a $2 (Two Dollars - NZD) Silver Coins depicting characters from the STAR WARS Spin-Off, on behalf of Niue Island: Year of Coin issue: 2021
4) "GROGU" or "The CHILD" -("BABY YODA"), Niue Island: Fourth Coin in "The Mandalorian Classic Coin Collection": New Zealand Mint has issued a $2 (Two Dollars - NZD) Silver Coins depicting characters from the STAR WARS Spin-off, on behalf of Niue Island: Year of Coin issue: 2021
5) "Grogu in his mobile Cradle/Pram" or "THE CHILD" - ("Baby Yoda"), Niue Island: Fifth Coin in "The Mandalorian Classic Coin Collection": New Zealand Mint has issued a $2 (Two Dollars - NZD) Silver Coins depicting characters from the STAR WARS Spin-off, on behalf of Niue Island: Year of Coin issue: 2022
6) Ahsoka Tano, Niue Island: The Mandalorian Classic Coin Collection: New zealand Mint has issued Gold and silver Coins depicting the popular "STAR WARS" spin -off: Year of Coin issue: 2022
7) "BESKAR STEEL", Niue Island: "The Mandalorian Classic Coin Collection": New Zealand Mint has issued a $2 (Two Dollars - NZD) Silver Rectangular Coin depicting the highly impenetrable protection material in the STAR WARS Spin-off, on behalf of Niue Island: Year of Coin issue: 2021
8) "Bo-Katan Kyrze", The Legendary Mandalorian Warrior, Niue Island: New Zealand Mint has issued $250 (Two Hundred Fifty Dollars - NZD) Gold, $25 Gold (Twenty Five Dollarrs - NZD) and $2 (Two Dollars - NZD) Silver Coins depicting the popular STAR WARS spin-off: Year of Coin issue: 2022
Links to "Star Wars: A New Hope™":
7) The Sand Crawler ("The Mandalorian" & "Star Wars: A New Hope"), Niue Island: New Zealand Mint has issued $25 (Twenty Five Dollars - NZD) Gold and $2 (Two Dollars - NZD) Silver Coins depicting the popular STAR WARS spin-off: Year of Coin issue: 2022
Links to posts on Boba Fett:
1) Boba Fett, New Zealand: An elegant Silver Miniature minted by the New Zealand Mint, features the popular Star Wars Bounty Hunter in full armour with his blaster at the ready: Date of issue: 10.12.2021
2) Boba Fett "Slave I" Starfighter, Niue Island: A One Oz Silver Coin depicts Fett's legendary spacecraft: Date of Coin issue: 10.12.2021 (with year of issue inscribed as 2022)
Other Links:
1) The "Empire's Death Star" (Star Wars), Niue Island: A Kilogram Dimensional Silver Coin of $ 100 NZD (Niue) minted by the New Zealand Mint on behalf of Niue Island:Year of Coin issue: 2021
2) "Star Trek", Starfield Command, United Federation of Planets, Tuvalu: $2 "Holey Dollar" united with a $1 "Delta" Coin-set
3) "Dune" (a Science Fiction Novel) by Frank Herbert, APMEX, USA: A set of Silver and Gold Coins/Rounds issued by APMEX celebrating the most iconic themes from the 2021 movie, based on the Novel being released in October 2021: Date/Year of Coins issued: 2021
Links to The Bad Batch Coin Series:
1) HUNTER - The Leader of the "BAD BATCH - STAR WARS, Niue Island: New Zealand Mint has issued Silver $2 (Two Dollars - NZD) Coins on behalf of Niue Island, depicting the "Clone Force 99" Group Leader: Year of Coin issue: 2022
2) WRECKER - The Demolition Expert of the "BAD BATCH" - STAR WARS, Niue Island: New Zealand Mint has issued Silver $2 (Two Dollars - NZD) Coins on behalf of Niue Island, depicting the "Clone Force 99": Year od Coin issue: 2022
Links to interesting posts from the South Pacific Island of Fiji:
The Assassins Coin Series, Niue Island:
The Universe Coin Collection:
Links:
Links to Signs of the Zodiac Coin Series issued by the Czech Mint posts:
Femme Fatale Coin Series:
Women Warriors Coin Series:
For other interesting posts on Coins issued by the Slovakia National Bank, please visit the following links:
For other interesting posts on Coins issued by the Czech National Bank, please visit the following links:
Cycle of Armoured Vehicles Coin Series:
Links to posts on "Dog Breeds":
Links to posts from the Volga-Vyatka Mint (Numisart Mint) - Coin Series titled - "Confrontation":
Links to interesting posts from the South Pacific Island of Fiji:
Links to posts on Australia, New Zealand and Countries and Overseas Territories of the South Pacific etc on this Blog:
1) Bank of Papua New Guinea: 36th Anniversary Celebrations (1973-2008): A Commemorative Uncirculated Coin Set consisting of a 2 Kina Banknote & a 2 Kina Coin
The Earth and Beyond Coin Series:
Matariki: The Maori New Year:
Australian Wildflower Coin Series:
Steam Power - Australian Rail Heritage Coin Series:
Dreaming Down Under Coin Series:
Australian Coat of Arms Gold & Silver Bullion Coin Series:
"Australian Shipwrecks" Coin Series:
Beneath The Southern Skies Gold & Silver Bullion Coin Series:
Star Dreaming Coin Series:
Links to interesting Posts on coins from Tuvalu Islands:
Link to Posts from Tokelau:
Other interesting links to posts from Cook Islands minted by Coin Invest Trust:
Links to posts on issues from the Republic of Palau:
Links to other Coins issued in the Cyborg Revolution Coin Series by Republic of Palau:
Links to Posts on coin issues from Niue Islands:
Links to posts on "Dog Breeds":
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Coin Series:
The Tarot Card Collection:
The Witcher Coin Series, Niue Islands:
