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Figure Eight Dragon and Phoenix on Perth Mint's Coin

2020-02-04 Tue

This remarkable figure eight-shaped antiqued coin showcases a phenomenal design combining Chinese symbols of luck, power, and good fortune is issued by Perth Mint Australia. The coin is shaped like the figure eight in honor of the number’s cultural significance in China as the luckiest number.

In Chinese culture, the dragon is revered as a divine creature and potent symbol of power, strength, wealth and fortune. The phoenix is an immortal bird whose rare appearance is believed to foreshadow harmony and peace. In feng shui, these mythical creatures are considered perfect matches for one another, representing ‘yin’ and ‘yang’ respectively in the Chinese philosophical account of natural balance and interdependence.

Shaped like a figure eight, the coin’s reverse features an exceptionally detailed depiction of a dragon and phoenix surrounded by stylized clouds. The Perth Mint’s traditional ‘P’ mintmark also appears in the design. The Jody Clark effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the monetary denomination, the weight and fineness, and the 2020 year-date are shown on the coin’s obverse. A pattern of lines surrounds each circle in the figure eight design.

Image Courtesy: https://www.mycollectables.com.au/