The Perth Mint of Australia has released a series of gold and silver proof coins celebrating the 2013 Year of the Snake, the sixth animal in the twelve year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.   The Australian Lunar Series II is a highly sought-after coin collection celebrating Chinese astrology and the Chinese zodiac.

The pinnacle of the Perth Mint lunar releases is the silver 1 Kilo Gemstone Edition which features on its reverse a lucky yellow and black snake curled around a tree branch with a black diamond set in its visible eye, signifying wisdom. The Chinese character for “snake” and the inscription “Year of the Snake” also appear in the design with The Perth Mint’s traditional “P” mintmark.

For the gold series, the highlight is the 99.99% pure gold 1oz Gold Proof High Relief Coin which depicts on its reverse a representation of a snake with bamboo, signifying good health, wisdom and prosperity. The 2013 gold releases are available as individual 1oz, 1/4oz and 1/10oz coins, or in a three-coin set comprising all three issues.

The birth dates for people ruled by the Chinese Lunar snake include 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 and 2013.  Those born under the influence of this sign are said to be intelligent, graceful, independent, analytical and charming.

Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, each coin features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on its obverse. Each Lunar Series II coin is released in limited numbers and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.