The Perth Mint has released a two-ounce gold proof high-relief coin featuring a phoenix.
An ancient symbol of honesty, benevolence and knowledge, the Chinese mythical phoenix’s rare appearances were believed to herald forthcoming happiness, harmony and prosperity. An immortal creature, it’s traditionally portrayed as a fusion of several other birds, including the head of a pheasant, the body of a mandarin duck, the tail of a peacock, the beak of a parrot and the wings of a swallow.
The phoenix coin is struck from 99.99 per cent gold and issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1935. The worldwide mintage is 250.
The coin’s high-relief design portrays a stylized artistic impression of a Chinese phoenix. In its beak is the flower of a paulownia tree, said to be the only species on which the phoenix will perch. Also included in the design are representations of clouds, symbols of abundance and good fortune, as well as the mint’s “P” mintmark. The coin portrays the Jody Clark effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse with its weight, purity, monetary denomination and 2022 year-date.
The coin has been struck with an extra-deep blank to showcase its detailed design in high relief.
It’s housed in a classic display case with a wooden lid and a numbered certificate of authenticity.
SPECIFICATIONS
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Gold Content (Troy oz)
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2
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Monetary Denomination (AUD)
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200
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Fineness (% purity)
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99.99
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Minimum Gross Weight (g)
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62.213
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Maximum Diameter (mm)
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36.60
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Maximum Thickness (mm)
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5.50
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Maximum Mintage
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250
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Designer
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Lucas Bowers
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