Gold Coin 1 Oz Dragon and Koi High Relief 2023 Proof

Chinese Myths and Legends - Dragon and Koi

This exclusive gold coin, issued by the Australian Perth Mint in 2023 in Proof quality from the purest 99.99% gold weighing 1 Oz, is struck in high relief. The motif draws on the East Asian symbolism of happiness, embodied by the dragon and koi, and puts them in context with the romantic legend of the eternal love of a husband and wife.

The reverse side of the coin features a stylistically balanced image composed of several elements referring to legends from Chinese mythology. The centre of the motif is formed by a burning pearl, an ancient element of wisdom, followed in a circle by a dragon and a koi carp. The dragon is the supreme divine creature and symbolizes power, strength, wealth and good fortune. Koi is synonymous with harmony and happiness, but also a positive sign for marriage and fertility. The background of the coin offers a view of the high arch of the Moon Bridge, the meeting place of the separated couple. The arched shape of the structure reflects on the water surface, creating the outline of the moon associated with purity and perfection. It includes the mint mark "P" and the initials of the designer "WR".
The legend of the Moon Bridge exists in Chinese mythology in several versions. The main characters of the story are the goddess Chang'e and her husband Hou Yi, the hero of the Sun.
Long ago, Hou Yi stopped ten suns that were threatening the Earth. For his heroism, he earned immortality for himself and his wife and ascended to the ranks of the celestials. However, after some time, Hou Yi decided to descend to the human world to visit his hometown. However, he left his wife behind in their heavenly home. Since then, Chang'e had been waiting for her companion and longing for his return.
One night when the moon shone in the sky, Chang'e came to the Moon Bridge connecting earth and heaven to think of her beloved. At the moment when the moon seemed brightest, Hou Yi appeared on the other side of the bridge. The moment they had both waited for so long had arrived. They met again and talked hand in hand. Hou Yi of his adventures on earth and all the beauty he had seen. Chang'e about her daily life in the Heavenly House and how she often thought of him.
Every other year, during the Moon Festival, when the moon reaches its greatest radiance, the couple would briefly reunite to spend a few precious moments together. The romantic legend of the Moon Bridge is a story of eternal love with a tinge of melancholy, of two hearts separated but with an enduring connection.

The obverse features a portrait of Elizabeth II by Jody Clark with the initials "JC". The likeness on the coin's rim is accompanied by the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II" with the years of the monarch's reign "1952 - 2022", "AUSTRALIA", the year of issue, the weight and purity of the metal and the face value.

The coin comes in a deluxe presentation box with a numbered certificate of authenticity in an extremely limited edition of 250 pieces for the entire world.

This product is part of the following product sets: