2013 Year of the Snake 5 Ounce of Silver Proof Coin

The Australian Lunar Series II from the Perth Mint of Australia features a new release with the 2013 Year of the Snake 5 Ounce Silver Proof Coin.

These silver coins showcase the same basic 2013 Year of the Snake reverse image as seen on other Perth Mint issues, but instead are in five ounces of 99.9% pure silver. The silver coin also features a limited worldwide mintage of 5,000.

The Lunar Series II first appeared from the Perth Mint in 2008 and offered as a continuation of the original Lunar Series. Their reverse designs change annually to depict that year’s creature as featured in the Chinese zodiac. As such, the completed series will depict the Year of the Mouse, Year of the Ox, Year of the Tiger, Year of the Rabbit, Year of the Dragon, Year of the Snake, Year of the Horse, Year of the Goat, Year of the Monkey, Year of the Rooster, Year of the Dog and Year of the Pig.

Those born in 2013, as well as 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989 and 2001, are said to be under the influence of the snake with character traits such as grace, independence and charm.

Silver coins of the Lunar series appear in several different varieties, the most popular of which is a collection of bullion coins. In addition, the Perth Mint strikes many different numismatic varieties such as this five ounce proof coin.

Year of the Snake 5 Ounce Proof Coin Designs and Specifications

Shown on the reverse of these silver coins is a snake curled around a tree branch. Off to the right, the Chinese character for ‘snake’ can be seen along with the mintmark of ‘P’ for the Perth Mint. To the bottom of the design is the inscription "Year of the Snake."

Ian Rank-Broadley’s effigy of Queen Elizabeth II graces the obverse of each coin. Inscriptions include "ELIZABETH II," "AUSTRALIA," "5 OZ 999 SILVER," "2013" and "8 DOLLARS."

The five ounce silver coins are legal tender of Australia under the Australian Currency Act of 1965. Each is guaranteed for weight and purity. Each has a diameter of 65.60 mm, a thickness of 5.8 mm and a gross weight of 155.50 grams.

A numbered certificate of authenticity is included with orders along with a presentation case and an illustrated shipper.

The 2013 Year of the Snake 5 Ounce Silver Proof Coin is priced at AUS $436, or US $456, but is subject to change based on the market value of silver. Orders are accepted on the Perth Mint website (www.perthmint.com.au), with an affiliate link to it following:

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