Highlighting the sixth animal in the Chinese lunar calendar, this silver three-coin set is a remarkable tribute to the lunar snake and represents the very best in minting excellence and design. 

According to Chinese tradition, the emperor ordered a great race between all the animals on Earth to determine who should occupy 12 positions in the lunar calendar. To complete the course, each animal had to cross a fast-flowing river. In pursuit of the fifth placed dragon, the horse was unnerved by the sight of a snake wrapped around its hoof. As it reared in fright, the snake uncoiled itself and slithered over the line to claim sixth place. 

Those born under the sign of the Chinese Lunar Snake in 2025, 2013, 2001, 1989 and every 12th preceding year are said to be wise, intelligent, independent, and charming. Being passionate and articulate, they are also thought to make great leaders. 

Each coin is meticulously struck by The Perth Mint from 5oz of 99.99% pure silver in proof quality and is issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965. 

The Perth Mint will release no more than 388 of the Australian Lunar Series III 2025 Year of the Snake 5oz Silver Proof High Relief Coin. 

DESIGN 

The coins’ reverses portray a coiled snake on the ground beneath hanging leaves. Its intricate frosted design appears on an immaculately polished table. Included in the design is the Chinese character for ‘Snake’, the inscription ‘SNAKE 2025’, and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark. 

Each coin’s obverse bears the Dan Thorne effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, as well as the weight, fineness, and the monetary denomination.

TECHNICAL NOTES 

The coin’s high relief reverse and obverse are minted on concave surfaces to ensure the optimum flow of metal is achieved by the strike of the die. 

PRESENTATION 

Each coin is housed in a classic display case with a clear lid decorated with a silver geometric design. The case is packaged in a beautifully illustrated shipper portraying the story of how the snake became the sixth animal of the Chinese lunar calendar and is accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity.