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Australian Gold Lunar Coins

2001 Year of the Snake

1/20 Troy Oz Unc

99.99% Gold

Perth Mint Photo

The Perth Mint’s extremely popular gold Lunar coins depict the Chinese Lunar Calendar, offering 12 fascinating designs corresponding to each sign in the calendar’s 12-year cycle and are housed in an attractive display case.
The Lord Buddha summoned all the animals of the earth to come to him before he departed to his next life. Only twelve arrived to bid him farewell, and they were rewarded with a year named after them in the order that they arrived.
For the Chinese, the snake symbolises happiness, intelligence and auspiciousness, and is affectionately known as the ‘small dragon’.
Those born in the Year of the Snake – 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989 and 2001, are said to be passionate, romantic, deep-thinking, wise and charming. Money never concerns them, as they always have enough for their needs. Although not generous with money, they help those less fortunate. Snake people prefer their own judgement rather than seeking another’s advice.
A famous ancient military book, Sun Tzu’s Art of War, contains the ‘snake battle formation’, which was developed from the behavior of an angry snake which would coil up and hold its head high in search of an enemy. Some ancient tribes believed snakes were their ancestors, and many folk legends are based on the activities of the snake.
According to ancient Chinese texts, snakes were considered spiritual animals who protected the whole clan. This old concept is still believed by many people today.

Mintage - (Issue Limit)
100,000

The design is of a snake hanging from a leafy branch high in the air that is said to bring a successful year to the coin owner. The Chinese character for snake is featured in the central frosted design area that contrasts beautifully against the polished background.
These coins are the only major legal tender, pure gold coins to change their design each year. This feature and their limited annual mintages give them potential for numismatic appreciation over time.
All coins are legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965 and bear an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the monetary denomination on the obverse .

Specifications

Sources

Composition:	99.99% Gold
Gold Content:	0.050 oz
Denomination:	$5
Edge:	Reeded
Weight:	1.571 grams
Size:	16.10 mm

Chard Tax Free Gold	Perth Mint
Striking Gold 100 Years of the Perth Mint John McIlwraith & Anthea Harris	The History of Australian Coin Production at the Perth Mint Goldcorp
1999 Perth Mint 310 Hay St East Perth WA 6004