The Chinese Year of the Dragon, commemorated by The Perth Mint in the 2000-dated Australian Lunar silver bullion coin series, begins on 5 February 2000 and covers the period to 23 January 2001.
The design features a Chinese imperial dragon, among the clouds, gazing at a pearl. Clouds symbolise good fortune and happiness, while a pearl is the highest symbol for purity and preciousness. The design is surrounded by five bats symbolising the very best in longevity, health and peace, prosperity, integrity and a full life until the end of your days. The bats are pad printed in purple with the clouds in yellow, and the design is based on the Emperor’s coat. The coin also features the Chinese character for dragon.
This is the first time in 3,000 years that the dragon year has occurred at the end of a millennium. The dragon is the ultimate symbol of the wisdom and culture of the Chinese nation. For thousands of years it has represented the people’s spirit for advancement and their desire to express themselves through the beauty of life.
The dragon is seen as the incarnation of power and authority, it can change its shape, swim the deepest seas and fly to the heavens. Of all the Chinese symbols, it is regarded as the most important, commanding heavenly dignity and is often depicted among the clouds.
The coin has a face value of A$30, and features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.
No more than 5,000 individual 1 kilo coins with diamond eyes will be released by The Perth Mint
Technical Specifications
| Size | 1 kilo |
| Silver Content (troy oz) | 32.151 |
| Denomination (AUD) | 30 |
| Fineness (% purity) | 99.9 |
| Standard Weight (g) | 1002.502 |
| Remedy Allowance (g) | 1.50 |
| Maximum Diameter (mm) | 101.00 |
| Maximum Thickness (mm) | 14.60 |
| Milled Edge Serrations | 160 |
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