Perth Mint: Lunar III - Year of the Snake 1 oz Silver 2025 Proof Opal

Perth Mint: Lunar III - Year of the Snake 1 oz Silver 2025 Proof Opal is a collector's offering from the Australian mint The Perth Mint for the year 2025. Previous coins in the series included the Year of the Mouse 2020, Year of the Ox 2021, Year of the Tiger 2022, Year of the Rabbit 2023, and Year of the Dragon 2024. The Lunar series refers to the 12 animals that represent the Chinese lunar calendar. The year 2025 belongs to the snake and is seen as a time of deep reflection, wisdom, and inner development. Snakes are reputed to be philosophical thinkers who are patient and inclined to contemplation. The Chinese zodiac sign of the snake corresponds to the years: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, and 2025.

The silver coin featuring the image of the snake was struck in a metal fineness of Ag.9999, in proof standard. The coin includes opal elements. An important feature is the limited mintage of just 6,000 pieces. Each coin comes with a numbered certificate of authenticity and original packaging.

Obverse: The obverse of the Year of the Snake coin features the likeness of King Charles III of the United Kingdom, along with the inscriptions “CHARLES III,” “AUSTRALIA.” Additionally, the obverse includes information about the nominal value, weight, and metal fineness of the coin.

Reverse: The reverse depicts the image of a Chinese snake made of opal. It also features the Chinese character for "snake," the inscription "YEAR OF THE SNAKE," the letter "P" (mark of The Perth Mint), as well as information about the coin’s fineness, weight, and year of issue.