Australian Rooster Silver Coins from the Perth Mint
The infamous Lunar Series II program by the Perth Mint continues with this 2017 silver Rooster coin designs. These silver coins celebrate the Chinese Zodiac every year and this is the commemoration of the ‘Year of the Rooster’ (2017) in the Chinese calendar. Each of these coins is recognized as legal currency in Australia and have the full backing of its Government.
Every year since 1999, the Perth Mint has issued a Gold and Silver coin that have depictions of an animal of the Chinese zodiac, depending on the year of issue. These silver coins are designed magnificently and are aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
The Perth Mint is one of the oldest minting facilities in Australia and is responsible for minting legal tender in addition to collectible bullion bars and coins. It was originally established in 1899 as a branch of the United Kingdom Royal Mint and now is wholly owned by the Government of Western Australia.
As these coins are issued only for a limited period of time, i.e. until the next design is released in a year, they are a highly sought after item in the bullion collector community – especially by those who maintain exclusive Lunar Series coin collections. Moreover, these coins make excellent investments too due to the purity of the Silver as well as the fact that it is considered legal tender in Australia which assures investors of its authenticity.
Both sides of these coins display elegant design work. The obverse features the familiar Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which is found on other legal tender in Australia too. Encircling her portrait are – her name ‘Elizabeth II’, name of the issuing country ‘Australia’, followed by the face value ‘1 Dollar’, the year ‘2017’, and the weight and purity of the Silver ‘1 oz .9999 Ag.’ A proud rooster and a family of hens are imprinted on the reverse of this coin, celebrating the Chinese Year of the Rooster. Also imprinted is the Chinese character denoting the word ‘Rooster’.