Australian 2013 Year of the Snake Gold, Silver Proof Coins released

PERTH (Scrap Monster): Released today, 2013 Year of the Snake Gold and Silver Proof Coins are offered by the Perth Mint in 99.99% pure gold or 99.9% pure silver.

They mark the annual debut of new collector products released as part of the Australian Lunar Series II program from the Perth Mint of Australia.

The newest proof coins are available in several different sizes as well as within three-coin sets. All of them feature the new 2013 Year of the Snake designs first unveiled last month as part of the associated Year of the Snake bullion coin series.

Shown on the reverse of the gold proof coins is a snake and bamboo design. It shows the curling image of a snake in the center with bamboo shoots to the right.

In addition to the inscription of "Year of the Snake," the Perth Mint's 'P' mint mark may also be found on the reverse along with the Chinese character for 'snake.'

A similar image is seen on the reverse of the silver proof coins. It depicts the snake curled around the branch of a tree along with the aforementioned reverse inscriptions also found on the gold coin.

Both the gold and silver proof coins from the Australian Lunar Series II program feature annually changing reverse designs that are emblematic of the twelve creatures found in the Chinese zodiac. These creatures include the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

Those born in the Year of the Snake are said to be intelligent, graceful, charming and independent. Along with the upcoming year of 2013, past snake affiliated annual periods include 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989 and 2001.

2013 Year of the Snake Gold Proof Coins are offered in three different sizes - 1 ounce, 1/4 ounce and 1/10 ounce.

In addition to the individually available coins, the Perth Mint has created a three-coin set which contains the trio of coins.