Dragon Money
In this installment of "Your Wate and Fate," we take a sneak-peek look at an upcoming page that will eventually be on display to the public. As a Patreon supporter, you have access to the page one full week before the public does.
- * Dragon Money Part One: Patreon Release Date: January 28th, 2024.
- * Dragon Money Part One: Public Release Date: February 7th, 2024.
- * Dragon Money Part Two: Patreon Release Date: February 7th, 2024.
- * Dragon Money Part Two: Public Release Date: February 7th, 2024.
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The Dragon
The Dragon is generally described as a mythical beast, a sort of fantasy creature, varying in appearance by region, and imagined out of bits and pieces of snakes, lizards, crocodiles, fishes, bats, sea-horses, lions, and what-have you. Some scholars, however, believe that Dragons were never conceived of as "mythical," but rather that they represent early, pre-scientific encounters that humans had with fossilized dinosaurs.
This theory accounts for the fact that Dragons of various types appear in far-apart areas of the world, and that there are, in a sense, "regional" Dragons in art. The variations in Dragon appearance may reflect an honest attempt by early humans to reconstruct some sort of uniform saurian anatomy from the fragmentary fossils of many species in their own areas -- long-necked, short-necked, gracile, stocky, winged, unwinged, swimming, flying, and terrestrial -- and this, after millennia, has resulted in the variability of Dragons in art.
The European Dragon
The European Dragon is a reptile, generally depicted as a heavy-bodies terrestrial beast capable of short bursts of flight by means of long-fingered, webbed wings. European Dragons may have two feet and two wings, but a good many of them have six appendages -- four feet and two wings, making them look like the curator of the paleontology department had a few two many whiskies before he assembled their skeletons.
The European Dragon in Heraldry
Unlike the Asian Dragon, which knows no bounds in terms of posture or position, the European Dragon is often encountered in heraldry, which is an ancient, pre-literate, and highly formalized system for branding and identifying the coat of arms or shield of individuals, or their land holdings, municipalities, provinces, or nations by association with animals, plants, and other devices. Heraldry is so popular in Europe, and especially Great Britain, that its use has been extended in popular culture to the branding of taverns, inns, and commercial businesses of all kinds.
Because heraldry is so formalized in terms of each device's position, colour, and number, European Dragons tend to be shown in profile and they are less expressive than Asian Dragons, but they make up for this in terms of their beloved status as totemic emblems of certain regions and their citizenry.
The Asian Dragon
The Asian Dragon, a sinuous, reptilian beast, is revered as a religious, mythical, astronomical, and astrological figure. This Dragon may be associated with water, or may writhe through the sky. It usually has four feet and no wings. It may have whiskers or fish-like barbels on its face, and emit flames from its mouth.
The role of the Asian Dragon, his guardianship of a precious flaming pearl, and his titular rulership of every 12th year of the Chinese zodiac are well known, even to non-Asians. If nothing more, they will encounter the dDragon on Chinese restaurant menus, where he stands out because he shares a spot on the Lunar New Year cycle with eleven other animals, all of whom are identifiable living species, while he is a creature of spiritual origin.
The Asian Dragon in Chinese Astrology
Asian Astrology, popularly known in Europe and America as Chinese Astrology, is a traditional system of determining a person's personality, characteristics, and destiny via a twelve-year cycle of animal signs, known as the Chinese Zodiac.
Each Chinese Zodiac sign begins at the New Moon that opens the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, which is a variable date between January 21st and February 20th) and for the rest of the year its animal holds the luck of the year. The twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac are, in order: the Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Sheep (sometimes referred to as the Ram or Goat), the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog, and the Boar (also known as the Pig).
Each year is named after one of the twelve lucky Chinese Zodiac animals, and, as with other forms of astrology, people born under these signs have certain personality traits.
- * Rat: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020: Resourceful, versatile, kind.
- * Ox: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021: Strong, dependable, determined.
- * Tiger: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022: Brave, confident, competitive.
- * Rabbit: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023: Quiet, elegant, responsible.
- * Dragon: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024: Confident, intelligent, enthusiastic.
- * Snake: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025: Mysterious, intelligent, wise.
- * Horse: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026: Animated, active, energetic.
- * Goat: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027: Calm, gentle, sympathetic.
- * Monkey: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016,2028: Sharp, smart, curious.
- * Rooster: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029: Observant, hardworking, courageous.
- * Dog: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030: Loving, honest, prudent.
- * Pig: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007,2019, 2031: Compassionate, generous, practical.
These twelve animal signs are modified by a yearly cycle of five elements, which are Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth. The five elements may also be expressed as colours, which are White, Black, Green, Red, and Brown. Each of these five elements takes its turn governing two sequential years, thus a Rooster may be a Metal Rooster, a Water Rooster, and so forth.
Each year also has a Yang (positive or male) or Yin (negative or female) character, and these alternate in polarity year by year.
- * Yang Metal or White: Years that end in 0.
- * Yin Metal or White: Years that end in 1.
- * Yang Water or Black: Years that end in 2.
- * Yin Water or Black: Years that end in 3.
- * Yang Wood or Green: Years that end in 4.
- * Yin Wood or Green: Years that end in 5.
- * Yang Fire or Red: Years that end in 6.
- * Yin Fire or Red: Years that end in 7.
- * Yang Earth or Brown: Years that end in 8.
- * Yin Earth or Brown: Years that end in 9.
In practice, the twelve animal signs of the Chinese Zodiac are described in terms of the polarity, the element, and the animal, making for a total of ten possible refinements of the basic animal sign, so if a Chinese astrologer does your chart, your sign may be, for instance, a Yang Water Horse, a Female Wood Ox, a Yin Metal Boar, or a Male Fire Dragon -- each of which has specific personality traits and is inclined to succeed best in certain forms of career, and to marry a person of a harmonizing sign. Thus one may be said to have been born in the year of the Female or Yin Ox or the Male or Yang Dragon.
12 animals x 5 elements x 2 polarities = 120: It takes 120 years before the Chinese zodiac cycle repeats.
There are further divisions and refinements of the lunar calendar, but for our purposes, all we need to know right now is that 2024 is the year of the Male Green Wood Dragon.
The Chinese language is written with ideograms, and although they are as variable as type fonts or handwriting in the Latin alphabet, this alphabetically sorted guide will allow you to read the names of the Chinese zodiac animals as they often appear on coins minted in each animal's year.
It is customary at the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year to wish people "Gong Hei Fat Choy" ("Wish Happiness, Develop Fortune") and because at each year, a new animal of the Chinese Zodiac is celebrated, it is a popular practice to reinforce the wish for prosperity by giving the recipient of the wish a literal coin, minted that year and bearing an image of the current year's animal. 2024 is the year of the Dragon, and so we bring you many Dragon coins, with our best wishes!
Dragon Money
Coins with images of Dragons on them, popularly referred to as Dragon coins or Dragon money, have an extensive history of production in Asia, without respect as to whether the coins were minted in a Dragon zodiac year. Among these coins are various denominations of the Chinese Yuan, Japanese Yen, and Korean Won.
Of all the twelve lunar coins, the Dragon issues are by far the most popular, due to their historical association with the old Dragon Money of China, Japan, and Korea. Therefore, it seems fitting that although the Rat, not the Dragon, is the first of the lunar zodiac animals, and was issued by Australia in 1986, it was in the auspicious year 2000, the year of the Metal Dragon, that an unexpected multitude of Metal Dragon gifts first burst on the scene and made their way to popular online sales sites. In 2000, it was the fashion to design the Dragons so that their coils formed a cursive representation of the number 2000, and because 2000 was represented by a Metal Dragon, coins seemed like an obvious choice to make, and they sold very well.
With the diaspora of Chinese people leaving the oppressive regime of Communist China, the custom of giving Lunar Festival gifts embellished with the year's zodiac animal has spread around the world, and Chinese zodiac coins are now minted in a number of nations. Once the Dragon coins of 2000 had made a hit with non-Asian collectors, several nations with high Asian populations undertook to issue complete sets of zodiac animals. Some started their cycles with the year of the Earth Rat in 2008, but others joined the happy throng when the year of the Water Dragon came up in 2012. By this time online sales platforms had transformed how goods were sold, and more nations joined in the festive fun, and that again led to whole new cycles of Chinese zodiac coins and lunar astrology keepsakes in the form of stamps for each year's animal. With each 12-year lunar cycle, it seems that more nations have joined the list of those who produce lunar coinage or stamps.
We have now arrived at 2024. More and more Asian people are relocating away from the repressions of Chinese Communism, and bringing their beloved cultural traditions to the West -- and this year the number of nations issuing Dragon coins is astounding. Not only that, as non-circulating bullion coins, they are receiving a number of high-tech beautification, such as colourization, metalization, gilding, and three-dimensional sculptural relief, and are being issued in vary limited numbers, to increase their collector value.
Meanwhile, in European nations with their own traditions of Dragons which are not connected to astrology, heraldic Dragon coins may be issued at any time.
Coin Denominations and Values
Circulating Coins
Coins, by definition, are money issued by a body -- usually a nation -- that has the authority to set their value by marking them with a denomination that includes a number and the name of the coinage of the issuing body, such as "One Dollar" or "One Pound." Aside from a few coins specially minted as proof coins and never released to the public, most coins go into circulation, where they gradually wear out as they pass from hand to hand. If a collector withdraws a coin from circulation it may be preserved and can be graded, with a "mint state" grade that affects its valuation as a collectible.
Since the 20th century, when first the gold standard and then the silver standard were abandoned, the actual value of precious metals has fluctuated daily, because gold and silver, along with several other metals, are now treated as commodities, not as the reserves with which a nation backs its issuance of currency. This means that coins minted of real silver or gold now have values aside from their collectible grade. They also have value as precious metals or commodities.
Bullion Coins and Bullion Rounds
For reasons not always entirely clear, nations are reluctant to abandon the use of precious metals as legal tender, so most of them now issue what is known as denominated bullion coinage -- coins of a known weight and purity of precious metal that are given an arbitrary denomination, but are fully expected to be traded on the open market with reference to the daily spot price of the metals from which they are made, or their rarity or condition, to which may be added a premium or surcharge based on their collector value.
The most popular weight for bullion coins is 1 troy ounce (which is not the same as a commercial or avoirdupois ounce), and the standard of purity is generally .999 pure, in contrast to the 90% silver and 10% copper of old U.S. coins such as the Morgan dollar, for example. Thus, in addition to its base metal "clad" coins, the U.S. government currently issues 1 troy ounce .999 pure silver coins called American Silver Eagles, with a One Dollar denomination, in the full knowledge that they will be treated as bullion coins on the open market and their value will fluctuate daily at 25-30 times their denominated value. Likewise, the 1 troy ounce coins called American Gold Eagles, containing 91.67% gold, 3% silver, and 5.33% copper, are issued by U.S. Mint with a Fifty Dollar denomination, in the full knowledge that their market value will be from 38 - 45 times that value, depending on the spot price of gold.
Once the denominations on coins -- especially silver coins -- were disconnected from any set value, non-governmental mints began to produce their own disk-shaped bullion pieces. If circular, these are generally called "rounds," to distinguish them from "coins." The most popular weight for silver bullion rounds is 1 troy ounce, but they can be found in higher weights, up tp a kilo (2.2 pounds) piece.
Unusually-Shaped Coins and Bullion
Although the disk shape has always been the most popular form for coins, both nationally authorized coins and privately minted bullion have been minted and cast in other forms, including ingots, minted bars, cast bars, and cast and stamped lumps, and figurative shapes.
The release of artistic figurative coinage and bullion with very low mintage numbers -- generally under 1,000 pieces -- is a popular way for small nations to add a high premium to a beautiful collectible with a low denomination, and thus bring in money from collectors world wide. Along with local flora and fauna coins and licensed character coins from popular culture, Dragon coins, because of their popular imagery, are one of the best ways for small nations to enter the field of what has come to be known as "collectible money."
Coin Values
Coins can be valued in several ways:
- * Valuation by Denomination as Legal Tender: An 1881 U.S. Morgan dollar was issued with a worth of one dollar.
- * Valuation by Precious Metal Content: An item's weight times the spot price of the metals of which is comprised on a given day, which is also known as its "melt value" gives a rough valuation of its worth, although a reseller will pay "under spot" in order to offset the cost of doing business and to make a profit, and a refiner may pay less, to offset the work of separating and refining the various metals to purity. An 1881 Morgan dollar contains 0.7734 troy ounces of silver, which may be worth anywhere from $17.00 - 25.00, depending on the spot price of silver on a given day.
- * Valuation by Numismatic or Collector Value: These forms of valuation are based on an item's rarity, historicity, mint mark, condition, or aesthetic appeal. A high-grade 1881 U.S. Morgan dollar may worth about $35.00 - $500.00 or more depending on its condition and where it was minted.
Some Numismatic Terminology
In order to enjoy this collection of Dragon coins and bullion, a few numismatic definitions are in order.
- * Antiqued: A deliberately tarnished finish on silver coins that makes them look old, but retains their details perfectly is said to have been antiqued. The antiquing is done by briefly dipping the coin in a chemical bath. Actually old and worn silver coins do not have a dull grey antiqued finish; they are worn down by repeated handling and their tarnish is the result of environmental factors.
- * Bar: A bar is a rectangular-shaped coin or piece of bullion. Bars may be minted or they may be cast or poured. The same mints that produce circular coins or bullion may also produce bars.
- * Certificate of Authenticity or CoA: Collectible coins and bullion, especially those with low mintage numbers and high premiums are sometimes sold in presentation boxes with certificates of authenticity. Chinese counterfeiters are unfazed by this: they not only counterfeit the coins, they also counterfeit the certificates of authenticity.
- * Colourized and Metalized: A coin which has been decorated by adhering a thin plastic membrane on which a transparent colour image is printed is said to be "colourized." If a metalic ink was used, it is said to be "metalized." Holographic desisigns are also used on collectible coins and bullion to make them stand out. Some coins are issued with official colourized variants, while other colourizations are after-market additions. Colourization and metalization are easily removed from a coin by dissolving the adhesive and gently peeling the layer of plastic away.
- * Counterfeit, Fake, Replica, Copy,and Fantasy Coins: The counterfeiting of valuable antique coins is a form of art forgery; modern coins with high value are also counterfeited and circulated, which is a form of fraud. China is the greatest source of counterfeits, fakes, restrikes, and fantasy Coins. However, rather than risk Federal prosecution by counterfeiting contemporary coins, the manufacturers have taken to counterfeiting vintage or antique coins, especially those that were originally issued in silver or gold. These are generally made of a non-precious base metal and electroplated with a thin coating of silver or gold. They are often marketed as "replicas" from China, to bypass U.S. laws against counterfeiting, but once they enter the United States, they are intentionally sold as authentic numismatic collectibles on a wide variety of internet platforms. The coins being faked include many old and rare U.S. coins, and also 19th and 20th century Chinese Dragon Money. Sometimes the art on the fake Chinese Dragon coins is composited from that on mis-matching Chinese coins, and these are sometimes called "fantasy coins" because they are not direct counterfeits or fakes of any known coin.
- * Obverse and Reverse: When photographing coins for sale, it seems to be the convention, both by mints and by secondary coin dealers, to consider the Dragon as the image on the obverse or front of the coin, even though it is technically the image on the reverse or back of the coin. This is especially the case with nations that have a standard obverse, such as the portrait of a monarch; it is boring to see the same obverse as the lead image on coin after coin, Thus the merchants, mints, and coin dealers wish to present the Dragon first, even though it is on the back of the coin. In other words, the Dragons are usually the first image shown, and thus either larger or placed on the left side of a composite photo. We have retained the proper designation of "reverse" for these dragons, while setting them in the left-hand position in our series for purpose of showcasing them.
- * Plated or Gilded: When a thin layer of gold is adhered to a silver or copper coin through the electroplating process, it is said to be gilded or gold-plated. When silver is applied, the terms used are silvered or silver-plated. The amount of gold or silver is not enough to change the intrinsic melt-value of the coin, but it may be issued in a limited edition for aesthetic reasons and to increase its collectibility.
- * Proof and Reverse Proof: A proof coin is one struck with a highly polished die, resulting in the flat areas or "fields" having a mirror-like finish. A reverse proof coin is generally only made for collectors. The flat areas or fields are frosted and the high relief areas are polished to a mirror finish. Such coins carry a high premium and are never circulated.
- * Relief, Bas-Relief, High Relief, and Ultra-High Relief: Coins made for circulation generally are provided with a slightly raised rim so that the sculptural relief of the image, known as bas-relief or low relief, stays below that level and is protected from wear. (One coin which is notable for the mis-matching of its edge rim and its bas-relief is the Morgan dollar -- Lady Liberty's cheek is just a tiny bit too high to be protected by the rim and is thus subject to scruffs, dings, and scratches. Even worse is the old Standing Liberty half dollar, about which the less said, the better.) High relief, in which the image sticks up above the rim, is found on collector coins and bullion; such pieces would be damaged almost immediately if placed in circulation. Ultra-High relief coins are those which are fully sculptural and almost leap out at the viewer. They may not even contain a protective rim. They are rarely handled, for fear of damaging them, and are usually stored in capsules or custom cases.
- * 'Restrike Coin: When an old coin design is re-used exactly as it first appeared, in the same metals and the same denomination, and is issued by the same mint, it is sometimes called a "restrike coin." However, most so-called restrikes, especially those from China, are better characterized as fantasy coins if they are actually made of precious metals, because they are minted with obviously new or reworked dies. If they are base metal with a precious metal plating, they are better labelled as counterfeits, replicas, copies, or fakes or fantasy-fakes.
How the Dragon Money is Organized on This Page
- * Nation or Mint within a Nation, in Alphabetical Order
- * Year Date in Chronological Order
- * Denomination (or No Denomination) in Ascending Order
- * Percentage of silver or other metals
- * Weight in troy oz.
- * Design and Designer (if known)
- * Finish, if notable; e.g. antiqued, proof, reverse proof, cast
- * Obverse or Reverse
- * Specific Name of Mint, if known
Dragon Coins and Bullion by Nation
AUSTRALIA
Australia is a former British colony that is now sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. In 1901 it was established as the Commonwealth of Australia. The Australia Act 1986 proided an independent government for Australia while maintaining the monarch of the United Kingdom as the monarch OF Australia in an independent capacity. Thus all Australian coinage bears an image of the currently reigning monarch. Of all the nations outside of China, Australia has been the most consistent producer of Dragon money since 2000, and has not limited its output to successive Years of the Dragon.
Perth Mint
The Perth Mint, located in the city of Perth, is Australia's official bullion mint and is wholly owned by the Government of Western Australia. Founded in 19001, it is the older of Australia's two mints, the other being the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra, which produces Australian dollar coins for circulation as legal tender. The Perth Mint is known for the extremly high quality and beauty of its bullion coins, minted bars, and cast bars. It also functions as the official mint for a number of small nations that lack their own mints.
2000
Australia, 2000, 1 Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Chinese Dragon, face-left, with pearl, "2000," 'lóng,' the Chinese character which means 'Dragon,' and "1 OZ 999 Silver." Designer was Ing Ing Jong. The first Lunar Series Silver coins from Australia came out in 1996, with the Year of the Rat.Perth Mint.
Australia, 2000, 1 Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, Queen Elizabeth II (4th Portrait), face-right, "Elizabeth II," "Australia," and "1 Dollar;" "IRB" below the bust, the initials of the designer, Ian Rank Broadley.
Australia, 2000, Gold Series I - Lunar Gold series I ran from 1996 - 2007 and the Dragon was, of course, in 2000; Silver Series I is not the same art as Gold Series I). Perth Mint.
Australia, 2000, Gold Series I - Lunar Gold series I ran from 1996 - 2007 and the Dragon was, of course, in 2000; Silver Series I is not the same art as Gold Series I). Perth Mint.
2012
Australia, 2012, 2 Dollars, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Silver Proof High Relief, Chinese Dragon face-right grasping at a flaming pearl, "Year of the Dragon," Lunar Series II. Perth Mint.
Australia, 2012, 2 Dollars, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Silver Proof High Relief, Queen Elizabeth II, "Elizabeth II," "Australia," 2 oz 999 Silver," "2012," "2 Dollars;" Mintage 7,500. Perth Mint.
Australia, 2012 Brisbane ANDA Coin Show Special - Australian Lunar Series II - 2012 Year of the Dragon 1oz Silver Coloured Edition. The 2012 Brisbane ANDA Coin Show Special features a purple colour Dragon. Specimen quality 99.9% silver coloured coin; Dragon reverse design; Australian legal tender 1 Dollar; Brisbane ANDA coin show packaging; Mintage: 5,000. Perth Mint. ANDA is the Australasian Numismatic Dealers Association, incorporated in 1995; they host an annual Money Expo where new coin releases are shown. They have a membership of 62 persons and businesses in Australia and New Zealand.
Australia, 2012 Melbourne ANDA Coin Show Special - Australian Lunar Series II - 2012 Year of the Dragon 1oz Silver Coloured Edition. The 2012 Melbourne ANDA Coin Show Special features a yellow colour Dragon. Specimen quality 99.9% silver coloured coin; Dragon reverse design; Australian legal tender 1 Dollar; Melbourne ANDA coin show packaging; Mintage, 5,000. Perth Mint. ANDA is the Australasian Numismatic Dealers Association, incorporated in 1995; they host an annual Money Expo where new coin releases are shown. They have a membership of 62 persons and businesses in Australia and New Zealand.
Australia, 2012 Sydney ANDA Coin Show Special - Australian Lunar Series II - 2012 Year of the Dragon 1oz Silver Coloured Edition. The 2012 Sydney ANDA Coin Show Special features a turquoise colour Dragon. Specimen quality 99.9% silver coloured coin; Dragon reverse design; Australian legal tender 1 Dollar; Sydney ANDA coin show packaging; Mintage: 5,000. Perth Mint. ANDA is the Australasian Numismatic Dealers Association, incorporated in 1995; they host an annual Money Expo where new coin releases are shown. They have a membership of 62 persons and businesses in Australia and New Zealand.
2017
Australia, 2017, 1 Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, a central flaming pearl orb between a Chinese Phoenix (left) and Dragon (right), a "P" on the right, near dragon's back left leg indicating the mint. No other letters. Perth Mint.
Australia, 2017, 1 Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, Queen Elizabeth II (4th Portrait), face-right, "Elizabeth II," "Australia," "1 oz 9999 Ag," "2017," "1 Dollar." "IRB" below the bust, the initials of the designer, Ian Rank Broadley.
2018
Australia, 2018, 1 Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, a central flaming pearl orb between an Asian Tiger (left) and a Chinese Dragon (right), a "P" on the right, near dragon's back indicating the mint. No other letters. Perth Mint.
Australia, 2018, 1 Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, Queen Elizabeth II (4th Portrait), face-right, "Elizabeth II," "Australia," "1 oz 9999 Ag," "2018," "1 Dollar." "IRB" below the bust, the initials of the designer, Ian Rank Broadley.
Australia, 2018, 1 Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Chinese Dragon floating above the water chasing a flaming pearl, a "P" on the right, in a nearby cloud, indicating the mint. No other letters. Perth Mint.
Australia, 2018, 1 Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, Queen Elizabeth II (4th Portrait) in a radial emanation, face-right, "Elizabeth II," "Australia," "1 OZ 9999 Ag," "2018," "1 Dollar." "IRB" below the bust, the initials of the designer, Ian Rank Broadley.
2019
Australia, 2019, 1 Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, a central flaming pearl orb between 2 Chinese Dragons, "JM" on the bottom claw of the left Dragon (indicating the designer, Jennifer McKenna), a "P" on the right, between the tail of one and the left front claws of the other, indicating the mint. Perth Mint.
Australia, 2019, 1 Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, Queen Elizabeth II (6th Portrait), face-right, "Elizabeth II," "Australia," "1 oz 9999 Ag," "2019," "1 Dollar;" "JC" to the left of the bust (for the designer, Jody Clark).
Australia, 2019, 100 Dollars, 1 Oz. of .9995 Platinum, Coin, reverse, Chinese Dragon in a spiral coil face-left reaching for a flaming pearl at far left, "2019," "1 oz, 9995 Platinum;" artist's initial 'JM' on spine of dragon bottom left (indicating the designer, Jennifer McKenna), a "P" on the right, indicating the mint. Perth Mint.
Australia, 2019, 100 Dollars, 1 Oz. of .999 Platinum, Coin, obverse, Queen Elizabeth II (6th Portrait), face-right, "Elizabeth II," "Australia," "100 Dollars;" "JC" to the left of the bust (for the designer, Jody Clark).
2021
Australia, 2021, 1 Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Chinese Dragon, face-right, grasping a flaming pearl with its front right claws, "NM" on the right, near the Dragon's front left claws (for the designer, Natasha Muhl). Perth Mint.
Australia, 2021, 1 Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, Queen Elizabeth II (6th Portrait) face-right, "Elizabeth II," "Australia," "1oz 9999 Ag," "2021," "1 Dollar;" "JC" to the left of the bust (for the designer, Jody Clark).
Australia, 2021, 1 Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Rectangular Coin, reverse, Chinese Dragon face-front, a "P" on the top right, indicating the mint. No other letters. Perth Mint.
Australia, 2021, 1 Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Rectangular Coin, obverse, Queen Elizabeth II (6th Portrait) face-right, "Elizabeth II," "Australia," "1oz 9999 Ag," "2021," "1 Dollar;" "JC" to the left of the bust (for the designer, Jody Clark).
2022
Australia, 2022, 1 Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Rectangular Coin, reverse, Chinese Dragon face-front chasing a flaming pearl at front right, a "P" on the top left, indicating the mint. No other letters. Perth Mint.
Australia, 2022, 1 Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Rectangular Coin, obverse, Queen Elizabeth II (6th Portrait) face-right, "Elizabeth II," "Australia," "1oz 9999 Ag," "2022," "1 Dollar;" "JC" to the left of the bust (for the designer, Jody Clark).
2023
Australia, 2023, 1 Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, a central flaming pearl with a Chinese Dragon above it about to bite it and below it a Koi fish leaping out of the river of which both are poised, an arched bridge; "P" for the issuing mint, "WR" (for the designer, Wade Robinson). Perth Mint.
Australia, 2023, 1 Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, Queen Elizabeth II (6th Portrait), face-right, "Elizabeth II 1952-2022," "Australia 2023," "1 oz 9999 Ag," "1 Dollar;" "JC" to the left of the bust (for the designer, Jody Clark).
Australia, 2023, 1 Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Antiqued, a central flaming pearl with a Chinese Dragon above it about to bite it and below it a Koi fish leaping out of the river of which both are poised, an arched bridge; "P" for the issuing mint, "WR" (for the designer, Wade Robinson). Perth Mint.
Australia, 2023, 1 Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obv/reverse, Colourized, a central flaming pearl with a Chinese Dragon above it about to bite it and below it a Koi fish leaping out of the river of which both are poised, an arched bridge; "P" for the issuing mint, "WR" (for the designer, Wade Robinson). Perth Mint.
Australia, 2023, 1 Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Rectangular Coin, reverse, Chinese Dragon, face-left, behind and below statues and riches may be seen as the Dragon's hoard; "P" for the issuing mint, "WR" (for the designer, Wade Robinson). Perth Mint.
Australia, 2023, 1 Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Rectangular Coin, obverse, Queen Elizabeth II (6th Portrait) face-right, "Elizabeth II," "1952-2022," "Australia," "1oz 9999 Ag," "1 Dollar," "2023," "JC" to the left of the bust (for the designer, Jody Clark).
2024
Australia, 2024, 1 Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Chinese Dragon, face-forward, with a flaming pearl in the left foreground; below, 'lóng,' the Chinese character which means 'dragon,' "P125" indicating the mint and its 125th anniversary; and middle right on a cresting wave, "IJ" (for the designer, Ing Ing Jong). Perth Mint.
Australia, 2024, 1 Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, Queen Elizabeth II (6th Portrait), face-right, "Elizabeth II 1952-2022," "Australia 2024," "1 oz 9999 Ag," "1 Dollar;" "JC" to the left of the bust (for the designer, Jody Clark).
Australia, 2024, 1 Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Colourized, Chinese Dragon, face-forward, with a flaming pearl in the left foreground; below, 'lóng,' the Chinese character which means 'dragon,' "P125" indicating the mint and its 125th anniversary; and middle right on a cresting wave, "IJ" (for the designer, Ing Ing Jong). Perth Mint.
Australia, 2024, 100 Dollars, 1 Oz. of .9999 Gold, Coin, reverse, "Dragon," "2024." Top right, the Chinese character 'lóng,' which means 'dragon,' "P125" indicating the mint and its 125th anniversary; and middle right on a cresting wave, "IJ" (for the designer, Ing Ing Jong). Perth Mint.
Australia, 2024, 100 Dollars, 1 Oz. of .9999 Gold, Coin, obverse, Queen Elizabeth II (6th Portrait), face-right, "Elizabeth II 1952-2022," "Australia 2024," "1 oz 9999 Au," "100 Dollars;" "JC" to the left of the bust (for the designer, Jody Clark).
BHUTAN
Bhutan, officially known as the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a small Asian nation in the Himalayas, between Tibet in north and India in the south. The capital city is Thimphu. To the people who live there, the name of the country is "Druk Yul" -- "The Land of the Thunder Dragon" and the national emblem of Bhutan consists of a double dorje symbol surrounded by two dragons. In a sense, this means that almost every coin from Bhutan is Dragon Money, because the national emblem appears on the obverse of almost every Bhutanese coin -- but for our purposes here we will only be showing coins with dragons on the reverse as well.
Unknown Mint
We do not know the name of the mint which produces the coinage of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The standard unit of coinage is the Ngultrum.
1996
In 19996 Bhutan issued a complete set of all 12 zodiac animals, in stylized form, each labelled "Year of the [Animal], with eight decades of the animal's calendar years imprinted around the image of the animal and the words "300 Ngultrum." They weighed 31.5 grams or 1.012749 troy ounces, and were made of .9250 pure silver.
The obverse bears the national emblem of a viśvavajra (double vajra or double dorje) and two mirrored dragons,the date "1996" twice, the words "Kingdom of Bhutan," and an inscription in Dzongkha script: "Druk Yul" ("Land of the Thunder Dragon").
Image coming soon!
2000
Bhutan, 2000 Dragon with pearl and diamond-shaped decorations, in front of a viśvavajra (double vajra or double dorje). "2000," "1 oz. Gold 999.9," "3000 Ngultrum" Mint: B.H. Mayer’s Kunstprageanstalt GmbH, Karlsfeld, Germany.
Bhutan, 2000 The obverse bears the national emblem of a viśvavajra (double vajra or double dorje) and two mirrored dragons, the words "Kingdom of Bhutan," and an inscription in Dzongkha script: "Druk Yul" ("Land of the Thunder Dragon").
2024
Bhutan, 2024 A dragon with a pearl, surrounded by a decorative scroll. "2024 The Year of the Dragon." "Nu. [Ngultrum] 200". "1 oz. .999 Fine Silver."
Bhutan, 2024The obverse bears the national emblem of a viśvavajra (double vajra or double dorje) and two mirrored dragons, the words "Kingdom of Bhutan," and an inscription in Dzongkha script: "Druk Yul" ("Land of the Thunder Dragon").
BURUNDI
The Republic of Burundi is an African nation whose coat of arms is a shield with a lion's head mounted on three point-up African spears. The motto of the nation on a ribbon below reads: "Unité, Travail, Progrès (French: "Unity, Work, Progress").
Unknown Mint
The mint that manufactured these coins is not known. Information will be gratefully accepted.
2024
Burundi, 2024, Burundi Lunar Year of the Dragon 2 oz Silver Coin, issued in an acrylic capsule within a green box, with a CoA. 2 oz. of .999 pure silver. 25 Francs. Mintage: 1,888. The Chinese dragon gazes at an inlaid authentic jade stone carved with the Chinese ideogram character for “dragon.” Above the jade stone is a 24-karat gold-plated privy mark bearing a smaller image of a dragon. Inscriptions read "Year of the Dragon", and "2024."
Burundi, 2024, Burundi coat of arms;
CAMEROON
Cameroon uses the Central African Franc of the CFA (Communauté Financière Africaine or African Financial Community) as its currency, as do the nations of Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Republic of Tchad, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. Each CFA member country can strike coins bearing its own national symbols, and all of their coins are legal tender in the other members of the CFA bloc.
Scottsdale Mint
The Scottsdale Mint was founded in 2008 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Cameroon has used the Scottsdale Mint to produce some of its coins, as have the Cayman Islands, the Reserve Bank of Fiji, and the Central Bank of Samoa.
2018
Cameroon, 2018, 50 Francs, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, left-facing Chinese Dragon with 3 sets of ideograms: 'Sheng' (held by the dragon; 'divine' or 'imperial majesty'), 'Fu' (to add), and 'Bi' (to support). Scottsdale Mint.
Cameroon, 2018, 50 Francs, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, Cameroon Coat of Arms, "Republique Du Cameroun" (Republic of Cameroon), "2018," "1 Troy Oz," "999 Silver," "500 Francs CFA" (African Financial Community, or "Communauté Financière Africaine")."
CANADA
Canada is a former British colony that became a confederation in 1867 and, after a series of gentle, stepwise governmental changes was recognized as a completely separate nation under the Canada Act 1982. As a monarchy, Canada shares its reigning royal family with 14 other independent countries within the Commonwealth of Nations, all of them former British colonies. All Canadian coinage bears on one side an portrait image of the current living monarch.
Royal Canadian Mint
Canadian coins are minted at the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa.
2012
Canada, 2012, 15 Dollars, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, left-facing dragon, emerging from mist and clouds, the Chinese character 'lóng' which means 'dragon' above and right, "Canada 2012", "15 Dollars," "AC" bottom left for designer Aries Cheung.
Canada, 2012, 15 Dollars, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, Elizabeth II, face-right, "Elizabeth II, "D.G. Regina (Dei Gratia Regina; Queen by the Grace of God)," "SB" for the designer, Susan Blunt.
Canada, 2012 TEXT
Canada, 2012 TEXT
2020
Canada, 2020, 5 Dollars, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, High Relief, Chinese Dragon, face-front, "Canada," "9999 Fine Silver 1 OZ Argent Pur 9999", "SN" near the dragon's front right shoulder, for the designer, Simon Ng. Royal Canadian Mint, Ottawa.
Canada, 2020, 5 Dollars, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, Elizabeth II, face-right, "Elizabeth II, "5 Dollars," "2020," "SB" for the designer, Susan Blunt.
2024
Canada, 2024, 15 Dollars, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Chinese Dragon, face-left, the Chinese character 'lóng' which means 'dragon' to the left, "Canada 2024," "15 Dollars", "JP" at the right side of the coin, for the designer, Jai Paek. Royal Canadian Mint, Ottawa.
Canada, 2024, 15 Dollars, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, Elizabeth II, face-right on a semi-circle background, "Elizabeth II, "D.G. Regina (Dei Gratia Regina; Queen by the Grace of God)," "1952 <> 2022," "SB" for the designer, Susan Blunt.
Canada, 2024 TEXT 1/4 oz.
Canada, 2024 TEXT 1/4 oz.
Canada, 2024 TEXT 1 oz.
Canada, 2024 TEXT 1 oz.
Canada, 2024 TEXT 1 kilo
Canada, 2024 TEXT 1 kilo
CHINA
Chinese dragon coins are legendary. They became popular in the late 19th century and have continued to set the style for international dragon coins to this day. There are many copies of old Chinese dragon coins manufactured at this time, and they are variously considered to be counterfeits, fakes, fantasy coins, commemoratives, and restrikes.
The weight of old Chinese dragon coins (and their copies) is often given in maces and candareens. A candareen is equal to 10 cash and is one tenth of a mace. One troy candareen weighs 374 milligrams or 5.77 grams, so, for example, a coin marked 7 mace and 2 candareens weighs 26.84 grams or .86 troy ounces.
Another weight found on Chinese dragon coins is the tael. At one time the silver tael weighed 40 grams or 1.3 troy ounces; in 1959 it was standardized to 50 grams or 1.61 troy ounces. Sixteen taels are equivalent to a catty, from whence comes the English term caddy -- as in a "tea caddy" or chest of tea -- so back in the day, a catty of tea weighed 604 grams or 20.8 ounces -- about 1.33 pounds.
In addition to weights, Chinese dragon money may be denominated in yuan or dollars. The Yuan is a national unit of coinage, while the dollar is a remnant of the use of U.S. trade dollars as currency in Asia during the 19th century.
Chinese Provincial Mint Names
Despite the mint name that is stated on a contemporary Chinese counterfeit, restrike, fake, or fantasy coin, it is almost certainly just a courtesy name left over from a previous era. Some fakes that bear very old dates, as stated on the coins themselves, are also stated to have been minted in provinces that did not have mints during the stated time period. Enjoy these modern Chinese collector coins for their artistry and consider that if they are made of base metal, their value is in the pleasure of owning them and their authenticity is always a matter of conjecture best handled by experts.
1916
China, 1916, 1 Dollar, 1.1 Oz. of Gold, Coin, reverse, Inauguration of Hongxian Emperor Yuan Shih Kai (1859-1916), Chinese Flying Dragon in profile, Chinese ideograms above and below, Top Right-to-Left: Empire of China," Bottom Right-to-Left: "The 1st Year of Hongxian." Engraver: Luigi Giorgi. Unknown Mint, China. This is an extremely rare coin and multiple fake copies of it exist.
China, 1916, 1 Dollar, 1.1 Oz. of Gold, Coin, obverse, Inauguration of Hongxian Emperor Yuan Shih Kai (1859-1916), Bust of Yuan Shihkai face-forward with military garb including a plumed hat. "L.Giorgi" for the engraver, Luigi Giorgi. Unknown Mint, China.
China, 1916, 1 Dollar, .9 Oz. of Silver, Coin, reverse, Inauguration of Hongxian Emperor Yuan Shih Kai (1859-1916), Chinese Flying Dragon in profile, Chinese ideograms above and below, Top Right-to-Left: Empire of China," Bottom Right-to-Left: "The 1st Year of Hongxian." Engraver: Luigi Giorgi. Unknown Mint, China. This is an extremely rare coin and multiple fake copies of it exist.
China, 1916, 1 Dollar, .9 Oz. of Silver, Coin, obverse, Inauguration of Hongxian Emperor Yuan Shih Kai (1859-1916), Bust of Yuan Shihkai face-forward with military garb including a plumed hat. "L.Giorgi" for the engraver, Luigi Giorgi. Unknown Mint, China.
Yuan Shikai (born Sept. 16, 1859, Henan province, China—died June 6, 1916) Chinese army leader and reformist minister in the twilight of the Qing dynasty (until 1911) and then first president of the Republic of China (1912–16).
https://coinquest.com/cgi-bin/cq/coins.pl?coin=16422 https://coinquest.com/cq_data/cq_ro/graphics/china_dollar_1916.jpg
1988
China, 1988, TEXT
China, 1988, TEXT
1990
China, 1990, TEXT
China, 1990, TEXT
2000
China, 2000, TEXT
China, 2000, TEXT
China, 2000, TEXT
China, 2000, TEXT
2018
China, 2018, 1 Yuan, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Restrike from 1898, Chinese Dragon face-forward, clutching a pearl in its mouth, "Kiang Nan Province," "7 Mace and 2 Candareens (26.84 grams or .86 oz)." Kiang Nan Province Mint, China.
China, 2018, 1 Yuan, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse Restrike from 1898; Top Chinese: 'Made in Kiangnan Province' (indicating the mint); Bottom Chinese: '7 Mace amd 2 Candareens' (weight, see above); Center: Top-to-Bottom Chinese and (interior) Manchu: "Guangxu" (Emperor); Right-to-Left Chinese and (interior) Manchu: "Yuanbao" (original currency)). Kiangnan Province Mint, China.
2019
China, 2019, 1 Yuan, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Restrike from 1898, Chinese Dragon face-forward with a flaming pearl at its center, "29th Year of Huang Hsu," 29th Year of Guangxu (Emperor), "Hu Poo" (Board of Revenue); Chihli Province Mint, China.
China, 2019, 1 Yuan, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, Restrike from 1903; Top Manchu Right-to-Left: "Guangxu" (Emperor) "Yuanbao" (original currency); Center: Top-to-Bottom Chinese: Guangxu (Emperor); Center: Right-to-Left Chinese: "Yuanbao" (original currency)), Center Sides Right-to-Left Chinese: 'Board of Revenue' (minting authority), Bottom Right-to-Left Chinese: 'Worth 1 Mace (Qian).' Chihli Province Mint, China.
China, 2019, 1 Yuan, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, Restrike from 1903?, Chinese Dragon winding about the central Chinese ideograms with flaming pearl at bottom, Top-to-Bottom: "One Dollar," (English) "One Dollar."
China, 2019, 1 Yuan, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, Restrike from 1911; Manchu characters and Chinese ideogramps, with 2 flowers on the sides: Top Manchu Right-to-Left: 'Year 3 of Xuantong' (Emperor); Center: Top-to-Bottom Chinese: Great Qing's (dynasty); Center: Right-to-Left Chinese: 'silver currency,' Bottom Right-to-Left Chinese: 'Year 3 of Xuantong.' Central Mint in Tientsin.
2020
China, 2020, 1 Yuan, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Antiqued Restrike from 1898, Chinese Dragon face-forward with a flaming pearl at its center, "29th Year of Huang Hsu," 29th Year of Guangxu (Emperor), "Hu Poo" (Board of Revenue); Chihli Province Mint, China.
China, 2020, 1 Yuan, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, Antiqued Restrike from 1903; Top Manchu Right-to-Left: "Guangxu" (Emperor) "Yuanbao" (original currency); Center: Top-to-Bottom Chinese: Guangxu (Emperor); Center: Right-to-Left Chinese: "Yuanbao" (original currency)), Center Sides Right-to-Left Chinese: 'Board of Revenue' (minting authority), Bottom Right-to-Left Chinese: 'Worth 1 Mace (Qian).' Chihli Province Mint, China.
China, 2020, 1 Yuan, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Restrike of 1889, Coiled Dragon with flaming pearl at center, Chinese ideograms above and below, Top Right-to-Left: 'Made in Kwangtung Province,' Bottom Right-to-Left: 'Worth 7 Mace and 2 Candareens' (weight).
China, 2020, 1 Yuan, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Restrike of 1889, Chinese ideograms on inner circle and Manchu characters at center, Top-to-Bottom: "Guangxu" (Emperor), Right-to-Left: 'Yuanbao," (original currency), "Kwang Tung Province," "7 Mace and 2 Candareens" (weight). Originally from the Kwan Tung Province Mint.
China, 2020, 1 Yuan, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Restrike of commemorative issue: Inauguration of Hongxian Emperor, an unusual Shih Kai Chinese Flying Dragon in profile, Chinese ideograms above and below, Top Right-to-Left: Empire of China," Bottom Right-to-Left: "The 1st Year of Hongxian." Engraver: Luigi Giorgi.
China, 2020, 1 Yuan, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Restrike of commemorative issue: Inauguration of Hongxian Emperor, Bust of Yuan Shihkai face-forward with military garb including a plumed hat. "L.Giorgi" for the engraver, Luigi Giorgi.
China, 2020, 1 Yuan, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Restrike of 1904, Two Chinese Dragons approach from either side the flaming pearl at the top; they surround 2 Chinese ideograms and 2 are at their backs one at each side: Sides Right-to-Left: "Hu-Peh Province," Center Top-to-Bottom: "One Tael."
China, 2021, 1 Tael, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, Restrike of 1904, Chinese ideograms inner circle and Manchu characters at center, Top-to-Bottom: "Great Qing" (Emperor), Right-to-Left: "Silver coin," Artist Initials, Issuing Mint.
China, 2021 TEXT
China, 2021 TEXT
2021
China, 2021, 1 Tael, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Antiqued Restrike of 1904, Two Chinese Dragons approach from either side the flaming pearl at the top; they surround 2 Chinese ideograms and 2 are at their backs one at each side: Sides Right-to-Left: "Hu-Peh Province," Center Top-to-Bottom: "One Tael," (English) "Hu-Peh Province," "One Tael." Artist Initials, Issuing Mint.
China, 2021, 1 Tael, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Antiqued Restrike of 1904, Chinese ideograms on inner circle and Manchu characters at centerTop Right-to-Left Chinese: "Made in Hupeh Province in Year 30 of Guangxu", Bottom Right-to-Left Chinese': "Worth 1 Liang" (weight)
2022
China, 2022, 1 Yuan, 1 Yuan, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, High Relief Restrike from 1911, Chinese Dragon winding about the central Chinese ideograms with flaming pearl at bottom, Top-to-Bottom: "One Dollar," (English) "One Dollar."
China, 2022, 1 Yuan, 1 Yuan, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, Restrike from 1911; Manchu characters and Chinese ideogramps, with 2 flowers on the sides: Top Manchu Right-to-Left: 'Year 3 of Xuantong' (Emperor); Center: Top-to-Bottom Chinese: Great Qing's (dynasty); Center: Right-to-Left Chinese: 'silver currency,' Bottom Right-to-Left Chinese: 'Year 3 of Xuantong.' Central Mint in Tientsin.
2023
China, 2023, 1 Yuan, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Restrike from 1898, Chinese Dragon face-forward, clutching a pearl in its mouth, "Kiang Nan Province," "7 Mace and 2 Candareens (26.84 grams or .86 oz)." Kiang Nan Province Mint, China.
China, 2023, 1 Yuan, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse Restrike from 1898; Top Chinese: 'Made in Kiangnan Province' (indicating the mint); Bottom Chinese: '7 Mace amd 2 Candareens' (weight, see above); Center: Top-to-Bottom Chinese and (interior) Manchu: "Guangxu" (Emperor); Right-to-Left Chinese and (interior) Manchu: "Yuanbao" (original currency)). Kiangnan Province Mint, China.
FIJI
Many coins of Fiji bear the nation's Coat of Arms: A shield divided quarterly by the Cross of St. George; in the quadrants sugarcane, a coconut palm, a bunch of bananas, and a flying dove of peace bearing an olive branch , charged with a gold lion holding a cacao pod at the top, supported by twin Fijian warriors, one on each side, one armed with a barbed spear, the other with a pineapple club, topped with a canoe as the crest, at the bottom is the nation's motto: "Rerevaka na kalou ka doka na Tui" ("Fear God and honour the King" [1 Peter 2:17]). This coat of arms was adopted in 1908 by a British Royal Warrant and it has been the coat of arms of Fiji since that year, having been retained after independence in 1970.
Royal Canadian Mint
According to the Reserve Bank of Fiji, all recent Fiji coins have been minted by the Royal Canadian Mint. The Scottsdale Mint also states on its website that it has produced coinage for the Reserve Bank of Fiji.
2022
Fiji, 2022, One Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, Antiqued, Dragon-Shaped, a forward-facing dragon of the Welsh or European variety, no lettering. "Dragons of the World" series.
Fiji, 2022, One Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, Antiqued, Dragon-Shaped, a Welsh or European dragon facing away; on the back of its wing, a circular coin-shape with the Fiji Coat of Arms, "Fiji 2023," "1 oz," ".999 Fine Silver," and "1 Dollar." "Dragons of the World" series.
Fiji, 2022, One Dollar, 2 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Antiqued, Dragon-Shaped, High Relief, a forward-facing Asian dragon with pearl, no lettering. "Dragons of the World" series.
Fiji, 2022, One Dollar, 2 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, Antiqued, Dragon-Shaped, Fiji Coat of Arms, "Fiji 2022," "2 oz," ".999 Fine Silver," "1 Dollar." "Dragons of the World" series.
2023
Fiji, 2023, One Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Antiqued, Dragon-Shaped, forward-facing dragon of an Egyptian motif in bearing of jewelry, no lettering. "Dragons of the World" series.
Fiji, 2023, One Dollar, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, Antiqued, Dragon-Shaped, dragon facing away; a small circle on the back of the dragon's wing features the Fiji Coat of Arms, "Fiji 2023," "1 oz," ".999 Fine Silver," and "1 Dollar." "Dragons of the World" series.
Fiji, 2023, Two Dollars, 2 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Antiqued, forward-facing Egyptian dragon on a black background. "Dragons of the World," "Egyptian Dragon."
Fiji, 2023, Two Dollars, 2 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, Antiqued, Dragon-Shaped, the Fiji Coat of Arms on a black background, "Fiji 2023," "2 oz," ".999 Fine Silver," and "2 Dollars." "Dragons of the World" series.
2024
Fiji, 2024, Two Dollars, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Chinese Dragon's head is predominant and face-forward and right above a semi-circle background; the coin is bordered by a Greek Key ring which are intersected by the English words; above the dragon inset to the background is the Chinese ideogram 'lóng,' meaning 'dragon;' "Year of the Dragon," "2024."
Fiji, 2024, Two Dollars, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, the Fiji Coat of Arms above a semi-circle background, the whole is bordered by a Greek Key ring, "Fiji 2024," "1 oz," ".999 Fine Silver," "Two Dollars."
Fiji, 2024, From left to right from the head of the Chinese Dragon with pearl to its tail: 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, $2.00 coin; 1/2 Oz. of .999 Silver, $1.00; 1/4 Oz. of .999 Silver; $0.50; and 1/10 Oz. of .999 Silver $0.25; reverse, the Dragon is coloured, each coin bearing "2024," with the far right and smallest also featuring a red banner with the Chinese ideogram 'lóng,' meaning 'dragon.'
Fiji, 2024, From left to right from the head of the Chinese Dragon with pearl to its tail: 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, $2.00 coin; 1/2 Oz. of .999 Silver, $1.00; 1/4 Oz. of .999 Silver; $0.50; and 1/10 Oz. of .999 Silver $0.25; obverse, the Fiji Coat of Arms above a semi-circle background, the whole is bordered by a Greek Key ring, "Fiji 2024," at the top and ".999 Fine Silver" on the right of every coin; and in sequence by weight of silver and denomination: "1 oz", "Two Dollars;" "1/2 oz," "One Dollar;" 1/4 oz," "Half Dollar;" and "1/10 oz," "Quarter Dollar."
Fiji, 2024, 5 Dollars, 888 grams of .999 Silver, Eight-Shaped Coin, obverse, Eight Chinese Dragons decorate the unusually-shaped coin with interspersed clouds, "Year of the Dragon," "888g Ag9999," "2024."
Fiji, 2024, 5 Dollars, 888 grams of .999 Silver, Eight-Shaped Coin, reverse, the Fiji Coat of Arms on a field of stylish clouds, "Fiji," "5 Dollars," "{#}/288."
FRANCE
Unknown Mint
2024
A bit of history goes here.
France, 2024 10 Euros, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse; In the outer ring: "Annee Du Dragon," ("Year of the Dragon"), "2024," a Chinese dragon passes through the second ring (tiled with engraved lunar animals and vegetation), which is replicated in small size on the obverse around a door, on the body of the dragon is engraved the Chinese character for "dragon" (long); right-hand side of the coin has a square mark indicating the engraver, Joaquin Jimenez.
France, 2024 10 Euros, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse; inset to the top right of the coin is a door marked "R F" and barred closed with a Chinese rod lock; this door is inset to the same ring which appears on the reverse of this coin through which the dragon comes; emanating out from the door in a sun-rayed field is a sequence of twelve panes radially terminating in a year marked on its outer edge and featuring numerous variations of the lunar animals which are part of the twelve; "2018-2029," "Calendrier Chinois," "10 Euro."
JAPAN
Asahi Refining
Japan, 2024, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Round, reverse, Chinese Dragon coiled about a Cypress tree and grasping within 3 of its 4 sets of claws a disk featuring the ideogram 'lóng' (dragon), "Year of the Dragon," "2024."
Japan, 2024, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Round, obverse, Asahi company logo and name, "1 Ounce Troy," "Asahi Refining," "Lunar Calendar Series," "Fine Silver 999," Asahi Refining Mint, Japan.
'Japan, 2024 TEXT
'Japan, 2024 TEXT
MACAU
Unknown Mint
2000
Macau, 2000, TEXT
Macau, 2000, TEXT
MONGOLIA
Bank of Mongolia
The mint that manufactures the Mongolian dragon coins is the Bank of Mongolia.
2024
Mongolia, 2024, 1000 Togrog, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Dragon-Shaped Ultra-High Relief Antiqued Coin, obverse, Chinese Dragon, left facing, front left claws capturing a pearl. No words are found on this side. The coin is designed as a small figurine that can stand upright.
Mongolia, 2024, 1000 Togrog, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Dragon-Shaped Ultra-High Relief Antiqued Coin, obverse, on a disk on the right-facing Dragon's side, a coin emblem with the logo of the Bank of Mongolia, which minted the coin, 2 characters in the Mongolian language, "1000 {Togrog}," "Mongolia," "1 oz .999 Silver," "2024."
Mongolia, 2024, TEXT
Mongolia, 2024, Ultra-High Relief - Mongolia 2024 1000 Togrog GREAT GILDED DRAGON Lunar Collection 1 Oz Silver Coin CIT Smartminting; YEAR OF ISSUE: 2024; MINTAGE: 888; FINISH: Silk Finish; SPECIAL FEATURE: Smartminting® (Ultra High Relief); DIAMETER: 35mm; DENOMINATION: 1000 Togrog
NIUE
European Mint
2022
A bit of history goes here. The national flag of Wales features the Welsh dragon as a heraldic symbol.
Niue, 2022, 2 Dollars, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Welsh flag's red dragon with right leg raised; "Welsh Dragon, 1 Oz 9999 Fine Silver." Between the wing and tail "EM" indicates the European Mint, where it was minted.
Niue, 2022, 2 Dollars, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, Queen Elizabeth the II; "Elizabeth II," "Niue Island," "2022," "2 Dollars; "IRB" below the bust, the initials of the artist, Ian Rank Broadley.
POLAND
Text.
Unknown Mint
The mint that manufactured these coins is not known. Information will be gratefully accepted.
2023
Poland, 2023, Witchcraft Series
Poland, 2023, Witchcraft Series.
RWANDA
As of 2001, many coins of the Republic of Rwanda ("Repubulika Y'u Rwanda") bear the National emblem with the motto "Ubumwe-Umurimo-Gukunda Igihugu"" ("Unity, Work, Patriotism"), featuring a stem of Sorghum, a branch of a Coffee tree, and a traditional basket called an Agaseke. It also features 2 typical Rwandan shields, a cogwheel, and the Sun above; the whole is encircled by a square knot.
Unknown Mint
The mint that manufactured the Rwandan dragon coins is not known. Information will be gratefully accepted.
2024
Rwanda, 2024, 50 Amafaranga (Francs), 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Chinese dragon, left facing; "Lunar Ounce," "2024," "1 oz Fine Silver 999,"; above the dragon image are the words "Year of the Dragon" and the Chinese character for "dragon" (lóng) set into a double-octagon. This is a literal "Wood Dragon," as is appropriate for the year.
Rwanda, 2024, 50 Amafaranga (Francs), 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, the Emblem of the Republic of Rwanda (est. 2001); "Banki Nkuru Y'u Rwanda" (Central Bank of Rwanda), "Amafaranga 50" (50 Francs), "Mirongo Itanu," (10 Fives).
SAMOA
Many coins of the Independent State of Samoa bear the nation's Coat of Arms with the motto "Fa'avae I Le Atua Samoa" (variously translated as "God is the Foundation of Samoa" or "Samoa is founded on God")
Scottsdale Mint
It is not clear which company minted the 2022 Samoan dragon coins, but the Scottsdale Mint states on its own page that it numbers among its clients the Cayman Islands, Cameroon, the Reserve Bank of Fiji, and the Central Bank of Samoa, and it definitely did produce the 2024 Samoa Year of the Dragon coins.
2022
Samoa, 2022, 2 Tala, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Silver Sea Dragon Coin, Antiqued, a floating sea dragon.
Samoa, 2022, 2 Tala, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, obverse, the Coat of Arms of Samoa, Antiqued, "Samoa - 2022", "1 Troy Ounce .999 Fine Silver."
Samoa, 2022, 2 Tala, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Silver Sea Dragon Coin, reverse, a floating sea dragon.
Samoa, 2022, 2 Tala, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, obverse, the Coat of Arms of Samoa, "Samoa - 2022", "1 Troy Ounce .999 Fine Silver."
2024
- The 2024 Samoa Year of the Dragon silver coin came in three sizes: 2 0z., 1 oz. and 1/2 oz. Their appearance is identical, only the thickness differentiates the first to; the third is smaller in diameter.
- 2 oz. 5 Tala. Mintage: 8,888.
ST. HELENA
Unknown Mint
2021
St. Helena, 2021`, TEXT
St. Helena, 2021`, TEXT
2023
St. Helena, 2023, TEXT
St. Helena, 2023, TEXT
SINGAPORE
Unknown Mint
1988
Singapore, 1988, TEXT
Singapore, 1988, TEXT
2000
Singapore, 2000, TEXT
Singapore, 2000, TEXT
SWITZERLAND
Pamp Swisse Mint
2012
Switzerland, 2012, TEXT
Switzerland, 2012, TEXT
TCHAD
New Century Mint and Others
The Republic of Tchad (also spelled Chad) uses the Central African Franc of the CFA (Communauté Financière Africaine or African Financial Community) as its currency, as do the nations of Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. Each CFA member country can strike coins bearing its own national symbols, and all of their coins are legal tender in the other members of the CFA bloc.
Tchad has authorized various foreign mints to strike collector coins bearing historical or cultural themes that are not related to the country itself. These coins may be given low mintage numbers -- as low as 50 and as high as 500 to 999 -- in order to increase their rarity. The most popular size is one troy ounce of silver. Mints that have recently produced coins for Tchad include the New Century Mint of Shanghai, China.
2023
Tchad, 2023, 5000 Francs, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Horseshoe Coin, obverse, Two Chinese Dragons coiled around a horseshoe, the left head-up, the right head-down. No words on this side.
Tchad, 2023, 5000 Francs, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Horseshoe Coin, reverse, Antiqued, Horseshoe band inset to flat back of Dragons on reverse, with Republic of Tchad Coat of Arms at top right; on the band: "2023 Republique Du Tchad," (Republic of Tchad), "5000 Francs CFA" ("Communauté Financière Africaine" or "African Financial Community")."
Tchad, 2023, TEXT
Tchad, 2023, TEXT
2024
Tchad, 2024, TEXT
Tchad, 2024, TEXT
TOKELAU
Unknown Mint
2022
Tokelau, 2022, TEXT
Tokelau, 2022, TEXT
Tokelau, 2022, TEXT
Tokelau, 2022, Silver-Plated Copper Coin - 2022 Tokelau Dragon and Tiger Coin; (2022 was the Lunar Year of the Tiger); Silver-plated Copper; Silver 2 oz; Copper 11.5 oz; Total weight 13.5 Ounces; Diameter: 8 centimeters; Face Value: 10 Dollars; Antique Finish
2024
Tokelau, 2024, TEXT
Tokelau, 2024, TEXT
TUVALU
Unknown Mint
2024
Tuvalu, 2024, TEXT
Tuvalu, 2024, TEXT
UNITED KINGDOM
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK, Great Britain, or Britain, is a country comprised of England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and other small islands across its seas.
Royal Mint
The Royal Mint, founded in 886 CE, is the United Kingdom's official manufacturer of British coins. It is the oldest company in the United Kingdom and has been located in Llantrisant, Wales, since 1968.
2000
England, 2000, TEXT
England, 2000, TEXT
2018
England, 2018, 2 Pounds, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse; 2 dragons inset to a Yin-Yang symbol: one at the top a Chinese dragon on a patterned background (black), one below the heraldic red dragon of Wales on a plain background (white); there is a "TN" identifying mark at the lower dragon's tail for the engraver Timothy Noad; "Two Dragons," "One Ounce Fine Silver 999 • 2018." Royal Mint.
England, 2018, 2 Pounds, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse; the bust of Queen Elizabeth II of England; "Elizabeth II • D • G • Reg * F * D * 2 Pounds," (Dei Gratia Regina; by the Grace of God, Queen), Fidei Defensor (Defender of the Faith); "J.C" under the central bust (for the engraver, Jody Clark). Royal Mint.
2024
England, 2024, 5 Pounds, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, reverse, Chinese dragon face-front, "Year of the Dragon • 2024" "W.W" (for engraver William Webb), and the Chinese character for dragon (long). Royal Mint.
England, 2024, 5 Pounds, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Coin, obverse, a bust of King Charles III of England; "Charles III • D * G * Rex * F * D * 5 Pounds • 2024," Dei Gratia Rex (by the Grace of God, King), Fidei Defensor (Defender of the Faith), there are the letters MJ beneath the bust indicating the engraver, Martin Jennings. Royal Mint.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
The United States of American, also known as the USA, the United States, and the U.S., is a former British colony that fought for and won its independence in 1776.
Although the United States has issued a series of Lunar New Year postage stamps, it has never issued Chinese Zodiac coins. Private mints in the U.S. have sought to fill that gap.
APMEX
APMEX, The American Precious Metals Exchange, was founded in 2000 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It is a wholesaler and retailer of gold, silver, platinum and palladium coins, bullion, bars, and ingots. It occasionally privately mints or commissions the minting of its own commemorative bullion rounds and bars.
2012
United States, 2012, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Round, reverse, Chinese Dragon coiled clock-wise with head at middle right, floating above stylized rock and sea, "Year of the Dragon," Right-to-Left Chinese: Year of the Dragon," Top-to-Bottom Chinese: "2012," (English) "2012."
United States, 2012, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Round, obverse, Numerous Chinese ideograms all right-to-left with English words below them (words/translations): Bravery/Brave, Power, Strength, Luck, and Honesty/Honest, ".999 Fine Silver," "1 Troy Ounce." Minted by Apmex, USA.
2024
United States, 2024, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Bar (Rectangular), reverse, Chinese Dragon coiled floating above semi-circle background and separated by curlique dividers from the text and year, "Year of the Dragon," "2024; Series 2. APMEX Mint, USA.
United States, 2024, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Bar (Rectangular), reverse, 12 Chinese astrological animals, including from top left: Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig, Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, and (fantasy) Dragon, above semi-circle background and separated by curlique dividers from the text and numbers; "One Ounce," "999 Fine Silver." APMEX Mint, USA.
United States, 2024, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Round, obverse, Chinese Dragon coiled floating above semi-circle background, "Year of the Dragon," "2024; Series 2. APMEX Mint, USA.
United States, 2024, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Round, obverse, 12 Chinese astrological animals on the outside ring, including from top left: Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig, Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, and (fantasy) Dragon, around an inner ring of the 8 trigrams (ba gua) in the "Later Heaven" arrangement; (Center) "One Ounce," "999 Fine Silver." APMEX Mint, USA.
JM Bullion
JM Bullion, founded in 2011 in Dallas, Texas, is a wholesaler and retailer of gold, silver, copper, platinum, and palladium products, including coins, bullion, bars, and ingots. The company occasionally privately mints or commissions the minting of its own commemorative bullion rounds and bars.
2024
United States (JM Bullion), 2024, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Silver Round, reverse, circled by a small Chinese Meander, or Greek Key, "Year of the Dragon," Chinese character for Dragon ("Lóng").
United States (JM Bullion), 2024, Silver Round, obverse, circled by a large Chinese Meander, or Greek Key, "Year of the Dragon," "1 oz .999 Fine Silver," centered inside a design reminiscent of the circular character for 'longevity' is the Chinese character for Dragon ("Lóng").
Mesa Grande
The mint that manufactured these coins is not known. Information will be gratefully accepted.
2024
USA, 2024, TEXT
USA, 2024, TEXT
VANUATU
Many coins of Vanuatu bear the nation's Coat of Arms: A Melanesian warrior, armed with a spear, standing before a mountain; behind him a boar's tusk and two leaves of the namele (coconut palm), on the scroll is the Vanuatu National Motto, "Log God Yuni Stanap" ("With God We Stand" equivalent to "In God We Trust"), surrounded by the words Ripablic Blong Vanuatu ("Republic of Vanuatu").
Unknown Mint
2024
Vanuatu, 2024, 20 Vatu, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Lunar "Year of the Dragon" Coin, reverse, "1 oz. Ag. .999", a forward-facing dragon with .999 gold details and red metalized Pearl.
Vanuatu, 2024, 20 Vatu, 1 Oz. of .999 Silver, Lunar "Year of the Dragon" Coin, obverse, The Vanuatu Coat of Arms and the 12 Lunar Astrological Animals of the Chinese Zodiac.
References
All Mints List at EMK -- https://www.emk.com/en-us/mints/all-mints/all-mints/
Coin Archives -- https://www.coinarchives.com/
Dragon Dollar Chinese Coins -- https://www.dragondollar.com/
Numista -- https://en.numista.com/
Silver Stackers Forum -- https://www.silverstackers.com/forums/index.php
Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801 - 1900. Colin R. Bruce II, Senior Editor. 4th Edition, 2004. Krause Publications, Iola, Wisconsin.
Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901 - 2000. George S. Cuhaj, editor. 37th Edition, 2010. Krause Publications, Iola, Wisconsin.
Standard Catalog of World Coins, 2001 - Date. George S. Cuhaj, editor. 9th Edition, 2014. Krause Publications, Iola, Wisconsin.
And now, my friends, i wish you a Happy Lunar New Year to you -- whenever you are reading this!
See Also
Special thanks to my dear husband and creative partner nagasiva yronwode for illustrations, scans, and clean-ups.
catherine yronwode
curator, historian, and docent
Your Wate and Fate