Lunar III Dragon 5oz Silver Coin 2024
Perth Mint
The Perth Mint is one of the world’s most renowned precious metal mints. Founded in 1899 in Perth, Australia, as a branch of the British Royal Mint, it is now owned by the Government of Western Australia. The mint specializes in the production of bullion bars, collector coins, and investment coins made from gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
The Perth Mint is especially well known for its “Australian Kangaroo,” “Koala,” and “Lunar” coin series.
GPSR: The Perth Mint
310 Hay Street
Western Australia 6004 East Perth
Australia
+61 (8) 9421 7222
info@perthmint.com
🇦🇺 Lunar III Dragon 2024 – 5 oz Silver Coin – Australia’s Grand Tribute to the Year of the Dragon
The Lunar III Dragon 2024 – 5 oz Silver Coin stands as an exceptional creation that brings together the mythological depth of the Chinese dragon and the refined craftsmanship of modern Australian minting. In this larger format, the coin reveals its full artistic power, offering a visual presence that is both majestic and intricately detailed. The dragon, a figure woven deeply into Chinese symbolism, embodies wisdom, strength, protection, and ascending energy, qualities that come to life in this substantial silver piece.
The reverse side presents the Chinese dragon in a highly dynamic composition. Its elongated body curves across the wide silver surface in a way that suggests fluid motion, as though the creature were soaring between clouds and rising winds. Each scale has been engraved with remarkable precision, creating a tactile surface that reveals new details with every change of light. The movement within the design is balanced and rhythmic, allowing the dragon to seem both lively and dignified. Flames accentuate the outline of the creature, reinforcing its role as a mythical force associated with vitality, transformation, and auspicious power. In this larger 5-oz format, the relief depth becomes particularly impressive, giving the dragon a sculptural presence that cannot be achieved in smaller weights.
The generous dimensions of the coin allow the design to unfold with a natural sense of grandeur. Light and shadow play across the surface with striking clarity, and the structural nuances of the engraving create an almost three-dimensional effect. Every scale, every curve of the dragon’s body and every flame-like detail appears deliberately set, paying tribute to the artistic standards of the Perth Mint. The use of subtle contrasts between matte and polished sections enhances the dragon’s form, making it stand out as the centrepiece of the coin’s story.
The obverse features the effigy of King Charles III, rendered with the calm dignity befitting a modern monarch. The composition is balanced and clear, designed to present a serene contrast to the dynamic reverse. The inscriptions surrounding the portrait include the monarch’s name, the denomination and the year of issue, arranged in a precise, unobtrusive manner that preserves the clarity of the obverse side. The portrait’s smooth surfaces create a gentle reflection, underscoring the refined aesthetic characteristic of current Australian coinage.
The Year of the Dragon holds a special place within the Chinese zodiac. As the fifth of the twelve zodiac signs, the dragon is associated with charisma, intelligence, and determination. Those born under this sign are often described as strong-willed, creative, and confident individuals. The coin reflects this cultural significance by highlighting the dragon’s powerful yet elegant silhouette. Its presence on the coin symbolizes good fortune, protection, and the pursuit of continuous growth – qualities deeply rooted in the traditions of the Lunar calendar.
Historically, the dragon is one of the most revered symbols in Chinese culture. Unlike its Western counterpart, which is often portrayed as fierce or destructive, the Chinese dragon is regarded as a benevolent and noble creature. It governs water, rain, and the balance of nature, and in ancient times, it was considered a symbol of imperial authority. Emperors were believed to be descendants of dragons, and the mythical creature was frequently depicted in artwork, architecture, and ceremonial objects. The Lunar III Dragon 2024 – 5 oz Silver Coin continues this legacy, translating the dragon’s centuries-old significance into a modern numismatic masterpiece.
Crafted from 99.99% pure silver, the coin displays the bright and refined lustre typical of high-quality Australian bullion. The smoothness of the polished areas contrasts beautifully with the textured relief, creating a surface that feels both delicate and substantial. The 5-oz weight strikes a perfect balance between visual presence and collectability. It offers far more detail and dimensionality than smaller denominations, yet it remains manageable and display-friendly. Its solid weight gives it a gratifying tactile quality, further enhancing its appeal.
The Lunar Series by the Perth Mint has long been appreciated for its ability to combine artistic excellence with cultural depth. Each annual edition tells a new chapter of the Zodiac story, and the dragon, as one of its most revered symbols, is often the centrepiece of any Lunar cycle. This coin continues that tradition, presenting one of the most respected motifs in an expanded format that allows every artistic intention to be fully expressed.
The 5-oz size carries particular significance. It provides a canvas large enough to reveal fine artistic decisions, yet focused enough to maintain a strong, concentrated presence. The engraving is exceptionally sharp, with layered contours that give the dragon a sense of motion and emotion. Every twist of its body, every flick of a flame, and every scale seems alive. The depth of relief gives the impression of a sculpture rather than a simple engraving, and the interplay between polished and matte textures enhances this sculptural quality.
The Lunar III Dragon 2024 – 5 oz Silver Coin is more than an expression of artistic craftsmanship. It is a cultural statement, a tribute to the enduring imagery of the dragon and a modern reflection of its symbolic power. Through its combination of craftsmanship, mythology, and numismatic elegance, the coin becomes a piece that resonates far beyond its material composition.
Ultimately, this 5-oz edition stands as a grand celebration of the Year of the Dragon, offering a rare level of detail and presence. It unites the wisdom of ancient symbolism with the precision of contemporary minting, creating a coin that will captivate collectors, admirers of art, and enthusiasts of cultural heritage alike. It is a silver creation of lasting beauty, designed to carry the spirit of the dragon forward for generations.
| Metal | Silver |
| Form | Silver Coin |
| Country of Origin | Australia |
| Manufacturer | Perth Mint |
| Series | Lunar III |
| Purity | 999.9/1000 |
| Fineweight | 155.52 gram |
| Gross Weight | 155.52 gram |
| Denomination (oz) | 5 oz |
| Year of issue | 2024 |
| Grade | Brilliant |
| Condition | Uncirculated |
| Face value | 8 AUD |
| Thickness | 7.20 mm |
| Diameter | 60.60 mm |
| Packaging | in Capsule |
| Large Packaging 2 | 50 per Box |