This year's stunning Gilded Edition from the Australian Lunar Series II depicts the wise and lucky snake, the sixth animal in the Chinese lunar calendar.

The birth dates for people ruled by this ancient Chinese sign include 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 and 2013.  Those born under the influence of this sign are said to be wise, intelligent, graceful, independent and charming.

Specimen Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

The coin is meticulously struck by The Perth Mint from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in specimen quality. 

Stunning Gilded Design

The coin's reverse depicts a snake curled around a tree branch, gilded in 24-carat gold.  Gold is said to symbolise wealth and happiness.  The Chinese character for 'snake' and the inscription 'Year of the Snake' also appear in the design with The Perth Mint's traditional 'P' mintmark.

Australian Legal Tender

Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on its obverse.

Limited Mintage

The Perth Mint will release no more than 50,000 of the 1oz Gilded Edition coins celebrating the 2013 Year of the Snake.

Numbered Certificate of Authenticity

Each coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Presentation Packaging

The coin is housed in a acrylic holder