Australian Lunar Series III 2025 Year of the Snake 1/2oz Silver Proof Coin

Highlighting the sixth animal in the Chinese lunar calendar, this 1/2oz silver proof coin is an impressive 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 1/2oz 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 4,000 of the Australian Lunar Series III 2025 Year of the Snake 1/2oz Silver Proof Coin in this packaging out of a total mintage of 5,000.

Design
The coin’s reverse portrays a coiled snake on the ground beneath hanging leaves. Included in the design is the Chinese character for ‘Snake’, the inscription ‘SNAKE 2025’, and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark. The coin’s obverse bears the Dan Thorne effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, as well as the weight, fineness, and the monetary denomination.