2024 The Christmas Nutcracker 2oz Antiqued Silver Coin
Celebrating Christmas 2024, this festive coin is inspired by an enchanting Christmas Eve fairy-tale about a young girl’s love for a wooden nutcracker doll.
Staying up late to spend more time with her favourite gift, she witnesses a battle between an army of toy figures and a gang of mice, during which she bravely saves the Nutcracker from the wicked Mouse King.
In Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s classical ballet adaptation, Clara dreams the Nutcracker is transformed into a dashing prince who transports her to The Land of the Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy arranges a series of spectacular dances to honour the young heroine’s courage.
Struck by The Perth Mint from 2oz of 99.99% pure silver, the coin is issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965.
With a 24-carat gold-plated nutcracker figurine at its centre, this beautiful 2oz silver antiqued piece is a wonderful celebration of a much-loved Christmas tradition.
The Perth Mint will release just 2,500 of The Christmas Nutcracker 2024 2oz Silver Antiqued Coloured Coin.
DESIGN
Exuding warmth and festive joy, the coin portrays a traditional hearth on Christmas Eve. The design on the reverse of the coin showcases leading characters from the storyline, including the Nutcracker, his foe the Mouse King, and a young girl among
Christmas gifts. Also included are fairies, Christmas trees, an owl, golden-coloured stars, and a ‘P125’ mintmark signifying The Perth Mint’s 125th anniversary.
Encased in the coin’s centre is a 24-carat gold-plated representation of a nutcracker figurine, a traditional symbol of good luck also said to frighten away evil spirits.
The obverse bears the Dan Thorne effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, the coin’s monetary denomination and a decorative pattern of stars encircling the nutcracker insert.
Elements of this coin have been individually ‘antiqued’ to give them a unique finish conveying the surface abrasions of an ancient artefact. As a result of this treatment, the appearance of each coin in the mintage will vary slightly.
PRESENTATION
The coin is housed in a classic display case with a clear lid. Packaged in a beautiful Christmas gift box with a bow, each coin is accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity.
Technical Specifications
| Silver Content (Troy oz) | 2.000 |
| Monetary Denomination (AUD) | 2.00 |
| Fineness (% purity) | 99.99 |
| Minimum Gross Weight (g) | 62.213 |
| Maximum Diameter (mm) | 45.60 |
| Maximum Thickness (mm) | 6.50 |
| Maximum Mintage | 2,500 |
| Designer | Jennifer McKenna |
ABOUT THE PERTH MINT
The Perth Mint, located in Perth, Western Australia, is one of the oldest and most prestigious mints in the world, with a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. It was established in 1899 as a branch of Britain's Royal Mint in response to the discovery of rich gold deposits in Western Australia. Its primary purpose was to refine gold mined in the region and to mint gold sovereigns and half sovereigns for use throughout the British Empire.
The Perth Mint played a crucial role in the development of Western Australia's gold industry, providing a local facility for gold refining and coin production that significantly contributed to the economic growth of the region. Over the years, it has evolved to become a leader in the precious metals industry, offering a wide range of services including gold and silver bullion bars and coins, precious metal refining, and jewellry.
After Australia gained independence, the Perth Mint continued its operations and, in 1970, it became wholly owned by the Government of Western Australia. Since then, it has expanded its offerings to include commemorative coins, investment products, and a wealth of services for precious metals storage, management, and distribution.
Notably, The Perth Mint has set several world records, including producing the world's largest gold coin in 2011, weighing one tonne and featuring a kangaroo design. It also operates one of the largest LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) accredited gold refineries in the world.
The mint is also a significant tourist attraction, offering visitors insights into Australia's gold mining history, the chance to view Australia’s largest collection of natural gold nuggets, and live demonstrations of traditional gold pouring.
Swan Bullion Company is proud to be an authorised distributor for both The Perth Mint bullion and numismatic products.
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