The Perth Mint has released its Australian Opal Lunar Series to commemorate the Year of the Tiger (2022) using authentic Australian opal for its centrepiece.
The Mint has limited production to 5,000 $1-coins and each coin was minted using 1 ounce of 99.99 per cent silver. The commemorative coins were issued as legal tender based on the Australian Currency Act of 1965.
They are enclosed in a clear-lid case and each coin comes with a certificate of authenticity.
The collection was collaboratively designed by Royal Mint UK designer and engraver Jody Clark for the coin’s obverse and Perth Mint designer Jennifer McKenna for the reverse side.
“We knew the tiger was coming, so you just go wild and get your concepts down on paper. When you go down the rabbit hole of all the [lunar] art and all the style, and the history of it, it’s super fascinating,” McKenna said.
The coins – available in gold and silver designs and finishes – are part of the third Australian Lunar Series III collection and feature an animal from the Chinese Zodiac signs.
More reading
Gold Corporation looking to “set the record straight” with new CEO
Sudden departure of Perth Mint CEO months before official retirement
Rare gold and silver nuggets go on display in Perth
