The Perth Mint recently released the 2010 Silver Year of the Tiger Coin. This coin is part of the Silver Lunar Coin Series which features the twelve animals of the ancient Chinese Lunar Calendar. The coins are struck in .999 fine silver and are available in a range of bullion weights from 1/2 oz to 10 kilos.
Individuals born in the Year of the Tiger include birth dates in 1938, 1950, 1974, 1986, 1998, and 2010. In Chinese tradition, these people are considered to be courageous and natural leaders.
The Perth Mint will produce the Silver Year of the Tiger coins in 1/2 oz, 1 oz, 2 oz, 5 oz, 10 oz, 1/2 kilo, 1 kilo, and 10 kilo sizes. There is a mintage limit of 500 of the 10 kilo coins and 300,000 of the 1 oz coins. No mintage limits apply to the other sizes available.
The coins feature an image of a Tiger on the reverse. The Chinese symbol for Tiger appears, along with the English inscription "Year of the Tiger." The "P" mint mark for the Perth Mint also appears.
The obverse of the coin features Queen Elizabeth II. The inscriptions read "Elizabeth II", "Australia", the date "2010" , "999 Silver", and the weight and denomination of the coin. Each coin has a legal tender value in Australia under the Currency Act of 1965.
The coins are issued in protective acrylic capsules and have been available worldwide since September 1, 2009.
