The Year of the Dragon is the most powerful symbol in the Chinese lunar calendar, and represents the most sought after of the Royal Canadian Mint Chinese Lunar coin series.  This 2012 set has a mintage of just 500, also making it one of the most elusive coin sets produced by the Royal Canadian Mint in recent years. Four coins are included featuring the 2012 Dragon design, each struck in pure gold with a near flawless proof finish.  The coins have a nominal face value of $50, $20, $10, and $5, with corresponding gold weights of 1, 1/2, ¼ and 1/10 ounce. HST/GST exempt.

The Design:

 The reverse image by a Canadian artist features a stylized dragon rendered in flowing perspective, its antlered, lion-like head dominating the foreground in the middle-left section of the coin as its tail meanders behind into the far distance of the upper right-hand section of the image. Interspersed along the bends and turns of the dragon’s scale-clad, hair-trimmed tail are lotus blossoms rendered, through the use of varied etching in three-toned shading. The details of the dragon’s head and scaled body also feature this skillful shading technique, lending the image a dimensional quality that contrasts strongly with the gleaming polished finish of the background. In the polished “sky” behind the dragon float dark thunderclouds. At the upper centre of the image is embossed the Chinese character for dragon. Also features the word “Canada.”

Year of the Dragon:

The Dragon is said to be a symbol of prosperity and leadership.  A fiery, enthusiastic, captivating and fiercely loyal creature, known to be embodied by the Emperor on Earth, brings its influence to the events and conditions of the year that carries its name.  The Year of the Dragon brings with it the promise of good fortune and wealth.   An excellent gift or commemorative piece for those born in the year of the dragon; 1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, and 2012 or to mark a key event in 2012.