2025 Year of the Snake 1/4oz Gold Proof Coin

The sixth year of The Perth Mint’s highly anticipated Australian Lunar Series III is marked by the release of stunning 1oz, 1/4oz and 1/10oz gold proof quality coins portraying the next animal in the zodiac, the Snake.

According to Chinese folklore, the emperor ordered a Great Race between all the animals on Earth to determine who should occupy 12 positions in the lunar calendar. Using its guile, the snake finished in sixth place. As a result, those born under the sign of the Chinese Lunar Snake in 2025, 2013, 2001, 1989 and every 12th preceding year are said to inherit the snake’s wisdom, intelligence, independence, and charm. Being passionate and articulate, they are also thought to make great leaders.

Celebrating these traditional beliefs, the Proof Issue of the Australian Lunar Series remains the ultimate numismatic tribute to each auspicious animal. Finely honed skills and dedicated craftsmanship have ensured that year after year these coins meet collectors’ highest expectations.

Meticulously struck from 99.99% pure gold in proof quality, no more than 3,500 1/4oz coins will be released in this packaging.

The coins are issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965.

DESIGN

The Perth Mint’s most prestigious Year of the Snake proof coins portray a snake curled among bamboo stems. Included in the design is the Chinese character for ‘snake’, the inscription ‘SNAKE 2025’, and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.

The coin’s obverse bears the Dan Thorne effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, as well as the weight, fineness, and the monetary denomination.

PRESENTATION

Each coin is presented in a prestigious red display case with a magnetic lid. Adorned with gold lettering and a geometric design, the case is packaged in a beautifully illustrated shipper portraying the story of how the Snake became the sixth animal in the zodiac and is accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity.

The shippers of future animals in the Lunar Series III will, when arrayed together, form a diorama depicting the ancient myth of The Great Race, which tells how the zodiac came into being.

Technical Specifications

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.