As global demand for Chinese-themed precious metal coins continues to soar, The Perth Mint has unveiled two new offerings featuring mythical creatures from the ancient Orient.
An industry leader and Australia’s largest exporter to Germany, the Mint revealed the world’s first pavé set Argyle pink diamond gold Jewelled Phoenix coin and Australia’s first rectangular Dragon bullion coins at the prestigious 47th World Money Fair held in Berlin this weekend.
Perth Mint Chief Executive Officer Richard Hayes said these exceptional releases demonstrated the Mint’s commitment to differentiate its minted products from the offerings of its counterparts as the precious metal coin market becomes increasingly competitive.
“Embracing this buying trend for Asian-style numismatics and motivated by the annual sell out of our 1oz gold and 1oz silver bullion coins from the Australian Lunar series, we will lead the modern coin market in 2018,” said Mr. Hayes.
“Collectors and investors are becoming more discerning each year in their search for unique and exclusive products.
“We have been issuing commemorative and investment coins with designs inspired by the Chinese zodiac and other culturally significant symbols for many years, yet the fine detail and artistry of these latest releases has taken our craftsmanship to the next level,” continued Mr Hayes.
THE PHOENIX
Crafted from 10oz of 99.99% pure gold and featuring a flowering paulownia tree, The Jewelled Phoenix coin is adorned with a delicately sculptured 18ct pink gold Chinese phoenix handset with a total of 1.22ct rare natural fancy coloured pink diamonds from Rio Tinto’s famed Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia’s east Kimberley region.
Revered as the immortal king of birds and believed to embody the values of virtue, compassion and trust, the noble phoenix heralds happiness and prosperity. To enhance the symbolism of this honored omen, only eight of The Jewelled Phoenix, a number considered extremely lucky in Chinese society, will ever be released.
Presented in custom-designed tiered black casings, this luxury high-end collectable is sure to command the attention of collectors, investors and diamond connoisseurs the world over.
THE DRAGON
For the investor with a desire for the exceptional, the Mint’s Dragon coins are struck from 1oz of pure silver or 1oz of pure gold with each featuring a stylised dragon chasing a flaming pearl amid earth’s elements. Symbolising the divine qualities of the human spirit and the evolution of an ancient culture, every facet of the design has been carefully chosen to convey the significance of Chinese lore and legend.
The silver Dragon is available in tubes of 20 coins or up-sized boxes of 10 tubes or 200 coins for high volume investments, with both packaging elements displaying a tamper evident seal. In contrast, investors who prefer to secure their wealth in gold can purchase gold Dragon coins in individual protective capsules.
With only 500,000 silver and 25,000 gold coins to be issued, the limited edition 2018 Dragons are anticipated to be as popular among investors as the 1oz issues from the Australian Lunar bullion coin series.
Each of these latest releases from The Perth Mint is issued as Australian legal tender and feature the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the monetary denomination and the 2018 year-date on the obverse of the coin.
To secure a rare Jewelled Phoenix coin, interested parties may visit The Perth Mint at 310 Hay Street in East Perth, telephone 1800 098 819 (Australia) or +61 8 9421 7218 (International).
The Dragon coins can be purchased from The Perth Mint’s Bullion Trading Desk, telephone 1300 201 112 (Australia) or +61 8 9421 7218 (International), visit the online store at perthmintbullion.com or enquire with leading bullion coin dealers.
