This is a premium limited edition presentation of one of the most sought after coins in the Royal Canadian Mints Chinese lunar coin series.  Chinese Lunar proof quality $15 coins with a 24 karat gold plated cameo were introduced in 1998, and many of the coins in the series now sell for significant premiums up to $450 per coin.  

People born in the years 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 are all “Year of the Snake”.  Philosophical and strategic, the Snake possesses a natural charisma that can hypnotize. It is often regarded as the most enigmatic sign of the Chinese lunar calendar.