2000 1/4 oz Australia Gold Lunar Dragon BU – Series I

In the Chinese zodiac, the Dragon is revered as the most powerful and auspicious of all creatures – a symbol of strength, good fortune, and imperial authority. The 2000 1/4 oz Australia Gold Lunar Dragon represents the fifth installment in the Perth Mint's celebrated Lunar Series I, continuing a tradition that began in 1996 with the Year of the Mouse. This particular release honors those born in Dragon years, who are said to embody energy, intelligence, and resilience during challenging times.

Ancient Chinese emperors aspired to be associated with the dragon, as it represented supreme authority and immortality. In imperial courts, the dragon symbolized the emperor himself, while the pearl – often depicted in dragon imagery – represented wisdom and longevity. This powerful symbolism carries through to the Perth Mint's masterful rendering, where each scale of the traditional Chinese dragon is meticulously crafted, its fierce gaze fixed upon the pearl of wisdom.

The Year 2000 Dragon coin holds special significance in the Lunar Series, with its limited mintage of only 30,000 pieces in the 1 oz version, making the even rarer 1/4 oz variant particularly desirable among serious collectors. The coin exemplifies the Perth Mint's commitment to celebrating Chinese cultural traditions through expert craftsmanship and design, continuing Australia's long-standing numismatic relationship with Asian themes.

Those born under the Dragon sign are believed to possess formidable personalities – they're energetic, intelligent, and determined. However, like the mythical creature itself, Dragon people may also demonstrate a fiery temperament. These nuanced character traits are beautifully captured in the coin's detailed dragon design, which balances power with the pursuit of wisdom represented by the pearl.

The Dragon coin sits at a fascinating intersection of Eastern mythology and Western numismatic excellence. While dragons in Western traditions often symbolized evil or danger, the Eastern dragon represents benevolence, strength, and good fortune. This cultural contrast makes the coin not just a precious metal investment, but a piece of cross-cultural artistic expression that bridges Eastern symbolism with Western precious metal expertise.

Design Features

The obverse of the 2000 1/4 oz Australia Gold Lunar Dragon features Ian Rank-Broadley's dignified effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, rendered with exceptional detail despite the coin's modest size. Her Majesty is depicted wearing the "Girls of Great Britain and Ireland" tiara, a wedding gift from Queen Mary in 1947. Surrounding the portrait are inscriptions that include "ELIZABETH II," "AUSTRALIA," and the coin's monetary denomination of 25 Australian dollars, establishing its status as legal tender.

The reverse showcases a traditional Chinese dragon in exquisite detail – a long, serpentine creature covered in intricately designed scales, its body gracefully coiled as it pursues the "pearl of wisdom." Each individual scale has been carefully engraved, demonstrating the Perth Mint's commitment to artistic excellence even on smaller-sized coins. The design is completed with inscriptions indicating the year "2000," the weight "1/4 OZ," gold purity "9999 GOLD," and the Chinese character for "Dragon." The Perth Mint's masterful design captures both the fearsome power and the noble dignity of the dragon, creating a compelling artistic representation that appeals to both collectors and those with cultural connections to the Chinese zodiac.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: Gold
• Obverse: Features Ian Rank-Broadley's effigy of Queen Elizabeth II with inscriptions of her name, the country of issue, and the monetary denomination.
• Reverse: Displays a traditional Chinese dragon pursuing the "pearl of wisdom," with inscriptions of the year, weight, purity, and the Chinese character for "Dragon."
• IRA Eligible: No

Investment Appeal

This 1/4 oz Gold Lunar Dragon offers an exceptional opportunity to own a piece from the highly acclaimed Lunar Series I. Its smaller weight provides a more accessible entry point for collectors seeking to acquire these sought-after coins without committing to larger denominations. The coin's .9999 fine gold content ensures investment-grade purity, while its Dragon design carries particular significance in Asian markets, potentially enhancing its long-term premium.

The limited mintage of the Lunar Series I coins has historically led to increased premiums over time, making these coins not just precious metal holdings but numismatic treasures with potential for appreciation beyond their gold content. As part of a complete zodiac series, this Dragon coin also appeals to collectors seeking to complete their Lunar Series I collection, further driving demand in secondary markets. For the discerning numismatist, this coin represents a perfect blend of cultural significance, artistic merit, and precious metal security.