2001 2 oz Australia Gold Lunar Snake BU – Series I

The 2001 2 oz Australia Gold Lunar Snake BU – Series I coin represents the sixth release in the prestigious Lunar Series I from Australia's Perth Mint, celebrating the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac. This exquisite gold piece combines cultural symbolism, exceptional craftsmanship, and investment potential in a single collectible treasure.

In Chinese tradition, the Snake symbolizes wisdom, intelligence, and mystery. Those born in the Year of the Snake (1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013) are believed to possess deep thinking abilities, intuition, and an enigmatic charm. This cultural significance extends beyond mere superstition, as the Snake has been venerated in Chinese mythology for thousands of years, often associated with good fortune and prosperity.

The Perth Mint's Lunar Series I began in 1996 with the Year of the Mouse and concluded in 2007 with the Year of the Pig. Each annual release pays homage to the ancient Chinese zodiac calendar, which assigns an animal to each year in a 12-year cycle. This 2001 Snake edition continues this tradition with remarkable detail and artistic excellence.

What makes this particular coin especially desirable is its limited mintage. With only a controlled number produced, the 2001 2 oz Gold Lunar Snake offers collectors and investors the twin benefits of scarcity and quality. The Perth Mint's commitment to exceptional craftsmanship is evident in every aspect of this coin, from the intricate design to the flawless finish that has become synonymous with Australia's oldest operating mint.

The Year of the Snake in the lunar calendar represents transformation and renewal – fitting symbolism for a precious metal investment that has stood the test of time. As part of the original Lunar Series, this 2001 release has gained significant recognition among numismatists worldwide, making it both a cultural artifact and a tangible store of wealth.

Design Features

The obverse of the 2001 2 oz Australia Gold Lunar Snake features the elegant effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by renowned artist Ian Rank-Broadley. This right-profile portrait depicts Her Majesty wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem crown, which she traditionally wore to the State Opening of Parliament. Surrounding the Queen's likeness are inscriptions that include "ELIZABETH II," "AUSTRALIA," and the denomination "200 DOLLARS," confirming its status as legal tender in Australia.

The reverse showcases a masterfully crafted snake coiled gracefully around a branch, capturing the reptile's sinuous movement and natural elegance. The design includes the inscriptions "2 OZ 9999 GOLD," the year "2001," and the Chinese character for "Snake," authentically representing the zodiac sign. This artistic rendering, created by designer Ing Ing Jong, perfectly embodies the Snake's attributes of wisdom and mystery in Chinese tradition. The Perth Mint's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the scale patterns and lifelike posture of the snake, demonstrating the mint's commitment to artistic excellence.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: GOLD – Hedge
• Purity: 0.9999
• Weight: 2 oz
• Manufacturer: The Perth Mint
• Mint Mark: P – Perth
• IRA Eligible: Yes
• Obverse: Ian Rank-Broadley's effigy of Queen Elizabeth II with inscriptions "ELIZABETH II," "AUSTRALIA," and "200 DOLLARS"
• Reverse: Detailed depiction of a snake coiled around a branch with inscriptions "2 OZ 9999 GOLD," "2001," and the Chinese character for "Snake"

Investment Appeal

The 2001 2 oz Australia Gold Lunar Snake BU – Series I stands as a premier investment opportunity for both serious collectors and precious metals investors. With its exceptional .9999 fine gold purity, this coin represents one of the purest gold bullion products available on the market, ensuring maximum precious metal content per ounce.

As part of the highly regarded Lunar Series I, this coin benefits from global recognition and liquidity, making it easily tradable worldwide. The Perth Mint's reputation for excellence and authenticity provides additional confidence to buyers seeking quality bullion products. Furthermore, its IRA eligibility allows investors to include this magnificent coin in their retirement portfolios, adding diversity and potential growth to long-term investment strategies.

What truly distinguishes this coin is its dual appeal: it offers the intrinsic value of pure gold alongside numismatic premium potential. The limited mintage of the 2001 Snake edition has created increasing scarcity over time, potentially enhancing its collector value beyond the spot price of gold. For numismatists specifically, the artistic merit, cultural significance, and position within the complete Lunar Series I collection make this coin particularly desirable.

In times of economic uncertainty, this 2 oz gold treasure provides a tangible asset with historical precedent for preserving wealth. The combination of its substantial gold content, artistic beauty, cultural significance, and collector demand creates a compelling case for acquiring this exceptional piece of numismatic history.