The Perth Mint in Australia has just introduced the 2007 Lunar Holey Dollar & Dump Set. According to the mint, "The set format mirrors Australia's first lawful coinage - Governor Macquarie's famous Holey Dollar and Dump." Each set is struck from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality and the central Dump is gold-plated.
"The reverse of the Holey Dollar portrays animals associated with China's ancient Lunar Calendar, which is based on the 12-year cycles of the moon. According to legend, the animals, which exert a profound effect on people born under their influence, raced for the honor of representing the first year. The winner was the mouse, followed by the ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig."
The obverses of the Holey Dollar & Dump depict the Raphael Maklouf and Ian Rank-Broadley effigies of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II respectively.
The reverse of the gold-plated Dump is inscribed with the words LUNAR NEW YEAR 2007 and GOOD FORTUNE & PROSPERITY, which surround Chinese characters meaning Happy New Year.
Each coin is housed in a red presentation case, which comes in a brightly illustrated shipper and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
Coin Specifications:
First Lunar Holey Dollar & Dump
Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
Reverse Depicts 12 Animals
Australian Legal Tender
Presentation Packaging
Limited Mintage - 8,888
Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
Cost: $90 AUD (Approx 75USD)
The coin set will be available from the 9th of January 2007
Only 8,888 of these 2007 Lunar Holey Dollar & Dump Sets will be released - reflecting the belief held in Chinese Feng Shui that the number 8 represents 'prosperity' and 'abundance'.
For those lucky 8,888 enthusiasts who are quick enough to obtain a 2007 Lunar Holey Dollar & Dump Set it will be a lucky day indeed!
No comments:
Post a Comment