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2013 Year of the Snake Silver Proof Coins and Three-Coin Set
September 3, 2012 by Darrin Lee Unser · Leave a Comment
Offered in limited mintages, The Perth Mint of Australia today has released 2013 Year of the Snake Silver Proof Coins in four different sizes.
2013 Year of the Snake Silver Proof Coins are available in four different sizes. Three are sold separately while a $2, or two ounce size, is within a special three-coin set. Shown above is the $30, or 1 kilo size.
These new collector products include three individually sold silver proof coins and one three-coin set.
All depict the new Year of the Snake design that was announced just last week for the investment-grade 2013 Year of the Snake Silver bullion coins. Like the bullion coins, the proof quality versions are struck from 99.9% pure silver.
Coin Sizes, Mintages and Three-Coin Set Makeup
Available as part the new releases are a one-half ounce proof coin, a one ounce proof coin and a 1 kilo proof coin. The Perth Mint has also issued a three-coin set that includes a two ounce coin, the one ounce coin and the one-half ounce coin.
No more than 8,000 1/2 oz coins, 5,000 1 oz coins, 500 kilo coins and 1,000 three-coin sets will be released.
Year of the Snake silver proof coins continue the Australian Lunar Series II program, which debuted in 2008 after the original Lunar Series was introduced in 1999 and ended in 2007. Both series feature annually changing reverse designs showcasing the twelve animals found in the Chinese zodiac.
Designs, Specifications and Ordering Silver Proof Coins
2013 Year of the Snake Silver Proof Three-Coin Set
As indicated by the name of the newest releases, the reverse of each includes a depiction of a snake. The reptile is shown coiled and hanging from the branch of a tree. The Chinese character for ‘snake’ can be found to the right of the design. Also shown on the reverse are The Perth Mint’s historic ‘P’ mint mark and the inscription of "YEAR OF THE SNAKE."
These silver proof coins are struck as legal tender of Australia. Face values are $30 for the 1 kilo coin, $2 for the two ounce coin, $1 for the one ounce coin and $0.50 for the one-half ounce coin.
As legal tender of Australia, obverses contain the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. Inscriptions include "ELIZABETH II," "AUSTRALIA," "2013" and the coin’s weight content in silver and its face value.
Individual silver proof coins come with their own presentation case. The three-coin set includes a single display case to house its three coins. The products include numbered certificates of authenticity.
Specifications for 2013 Year of the Snake Silver Proof Coins
| 1 kilo | 2 oz | 1 oz | 1/2 oz | |
| Silver Content (Troy oz) | 32.151 | 2 | 1 | 0.5 |
| Face Value (AUS) | $30 | $2 | $1 | $0.50 |
| Fineness (% purity) | 99.9 | 99.9 | 99.9 | 99.9 |
| Minimum Gross Weight (g) | 1003.002 | 62.270 | 31.135 | 15.573 |
| Maximum Diameter (mm) | 100.60 | 55.60 | 45.60 | 36.60 |
| Maximum Thickness (mm) | 14.60 | 3.60 | 2.60 | 2.30 |
Prices and Ordering
Initial pricing for the one ounce coin is listed at AUS $97. The 1 kilo coin is listed for $1,765 and the three-coin set is listed for $359.00. These prices are subject to change based on silver market conditions.
2013 Year of the Snake Silver Proof Coins may be purchased directly from The Perth Mint website at http://www.perthmint.com.au.
Ad Banner to Perth Mint Website for New Coin Releases
About the Perth Mint
The Royal Mint of England established the Perth Mint (www.perthmint.com.au) as a branch facility in 1899 to refine and strike gold recovered from nearby deposits. Ownership was transferred to the State Government of Western Australia in 1970. Today the Perth is responsible for the Australian Federal Government’s Gold and Silver Bullion Coin Program in addition to striking some of the most unique numismatic coins in the world.
