2000 Lunar Year of the Dragon 5 Coin Proof Silver Collection

2000 Lunar Year of the Dragon 5 Coin Proof Silver
Collection

This set comprises 5 proof silver coins released by the Perth Mint:

$30 - Year of the Dragon Kilogram Silver Proof;

$10 - Year of the Dragon 10oz Silver Proof;

$2 - Year of the Dragon 2oz Silver Proof;

$1 - Year of the Dragon 1oz Silver Proof; and

50c - Year of the Dragon 1/2oz Silver Proof; The Perth Mint released a total of 500 collections with the coins individually encapsulated and housed in a plush red velvet, hinged-lid presentation case.

Valuation :
2000 Lunar Year of the Dragon 5 Coin Proof Silver Collection

	Proof
2002	1,112

Notes:

This 5 Coin Proof Silver Collection was issued to celebrate the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese Lunar Calendar - from 5 February 2000 to 23 January 2001. In the Chinese Lunar Calendar, each animal sign is governed by the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water, each element appearing with each animal only once every 60 years.

During dragon years - 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988 and 2000 - birth rates soar within the Chinese community as parents seek to confer new-borns with the dragon's characteristics of happiness, success and prosperity. Dragon years are regarded as the most auspicious and jubilant, and are marked by many celebrations and festivals. People born in dragon years are said to be straightforward, intelligent, vivacious, honest and self-sufficient. They are also quick-tempered, stubborn, eccentric, impulsive and unpredictable.

Of all the Chinese symbols, the dragon is regarded as the ultimate - commanding heavenly dignity, it is often depicted among the clouds. The dragon is a symbol of wisdom in Chinese culture and is seen as the incarnation of power and authority. For thousands of years it has represented the people's spirit for advancement and their desire to express themselves through the beauty of life.

The year 2000 marks the return of the 'metal element' with the dragon after 60 years. For those born in the year of the 'metal dragon', life is said to be beautiful, as everything they touch 'turns to gold'. This is the first time in 3,000 years that the dragon has occurred at the end of a millennium.

The mythology of the dragon can be traced back to ancestral China where this fantastic creature was given a deer's horn, snake's head and neck, ghost's eyes, clam's belly, carp's scales, eagle's claws, tiger's feet and cow's ears. The mythical creature can change its shape, swim the deepest seas and fly to the heavens.

The design on the coins features the traditional Chinese dragon among the clouds, gazing at a pearl. Clouds symbolise good fortune and happiness, while the pearl is the highest symbol for purity and preciousness. The design is surrounded by five bats, symbolising the very best in longevity, peace, prosperity, integrity and a full life. The design also features the Chinese character for dragon.

Source: The Australian Numismatic Post, October, 1999 - Perth Mint.