2012 Year DRAGON Australia 50 Cents PROOF 1/2 Oz Pure Silver Red Color FULL OGP

Description: In Stock and Ready for Immediate Shipment! Long SOLD OUT at the Perth Mint! In a Mint first, this PROOF-FINISH Red Color Silver Dragon features full color! Celebrate the most auspicious Year of the Dragon with this large, low mintage, half ounce pure silver coin! This large, impressive coin represents a tremendous value, struck in pure silver! The Perth Mint's Lunar Zodiac Series II coins are huge! At nearly 37 mm in diameter, they are the same size across as a United States silver dollar! This beauty is made all the more desirable by the Mint's execution of this intriguing animal motif in pure silver, artistically rendered in full proof finish with striking, vibrant hues! The full color design is highlighted in frosty white cameo relief, on deeply mirrored fields (or background), further enhancing an already handsome design (which is even nicer looking than the mint-supplied images suggest). Between the large size, the low mintage (only 10,000!), and the beauty of the design and proof finish, we think you'll be impressed with this affordable, pure silver half dollar! Don't forget, this is the first time the Mint has ever offered a proof finish lunar animal in color! The Year of the Dragon - Most Powerful and Auspicious! Centuries ago, the Chinese invented a calendar based on the lunar (rather than the solar) cycle. There are twelve animals in the Chinese lunar zodiac, each corresponding in sequence to a year rather than a month. In 2012 we celebrate the Year of the Dragon. According to tradition, people born during a Year of the Rabbit (1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, and 2012) are said to exhibit that animal’s attributes. While Dragons frequently help others, rarely will they ask for help. Others are attracted to Dragons, especially their colorful personalities, but deep down, Dragons prefer to be alone. Perhaps that is because they’re most successful when working alone. Their preference to be alone can come across as arrogance or conceitedness, but these qualities aren't applicable. Dragons have tempers that can flare fast! They’re driven, unafraid of challenges, and willing to take risks. They’re passionate in all they do and they do things in grand fashion. This is the fifth annual release in the Lunar Zodiac Series II from Australia! The Dragon The Oriental or Chinese concept of the dragon is much different than the European notion of this beast. Whereas in the West dragons are nearly always evil, fire breathing creatures of immense size and destructiveness, in the East they are beloved. Chinese dragons are benevolent, representing most auspicious powers, particularly control over water, rainfall, and floods. In yin and yang terminology, a dragon is yang (male) and perfectly complements a yin (female) fenghuang, the mythical "Chinese phoenix". The dragon is a mystical being, able to use an almost unlimited range of magical or supernatural powers. It is able to disguise itself as a silkworm, or become as large as our entire universe. It can fly among the clouds or hide in water. It can form clouds, turn into water or fire, become invisible or glow in the dark. It is interesting to note that the Oriental dragon's ability to fly is a magical (not a physical) ability; unlike European dragons, Chinese dragons are rarely if ever depicted with physical wings. Historically, the dragon was the symbol of the Emperor of China. Many pictures of oriental dragons show a flaming pearl under their chin. The pearl is associated with wealth, good luck, and prosperity. In Chinese culture, the pearl also symbolizes perfection, which is only obtained through the highest forms of wisdom. As such, the pearl is retained in the clutches of the dragon, who, like the emperor, reveals great "pearls of wisdom" as it bestows abundance and prosperity upon its people. Investment Note This coin features the most powerful and auspicious of all the animals in the Chinese Lunar Zodiac - the Dragon. The dragon is always the most popular animal, and always sells out. Previous Year of the Dragon coins now sell for many multiples of their issue prices. Don't delay, tame your dragon today! Technology Note The Perth Mint of Australia employs its own proprietary colorization technology, in which the color is actually sealed on the coin. The vibrant hues and precise execution of the technology create a stunning, full-color portrait on each coin. Obverse A rampaging, imperial Chinese dragon chases after the pearl of wisdom. The legend YEAR OF THE DRAGON defines the theme. The Chinese character for "Dragon" is to the right, while the Perth Mint's "P" mint mark is judiciously placed to the right, near the 3:00 position along the rim. Reverse The reverse features Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, in crowned profile facing right. This portrait, featuring Her Majesty wearing a tiara and pearl earrings, was executed by the sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley. The legend 1/2 OZ 999 SILVER guarantees the weight and purity. The legend ELIZABETH II, the date and the denomination also appear. Packaging The coin is encapsulated inside an elegant, red and black presentation case lined with black velvet & satin and protected by a full color outer box. An individually-numbered certificate of authenticity is included. Specifications Country Australia Mint Perth Mint of Australia Year of Issue 2012 Face Value 50 Cents Weight 15.591 g Diameter 36.60 mm Gauge (Thickness) 2.30 mm Mintage Limit 10,000 Finish Proof with Color Composition .999 Fine (Pure) Silver Edge Reeded (milled, serrated) Artist Ian Rank-Broadley (reverse) Certificate Individually Numbered Copyright © 2024 Talisman World Coins and Medals. All Rights Reserved.

Price: 63.88 USD

Location: Saint Louis, Missouri

End Time: 2024-02-27T14:32:15.000Z

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