Proof Silver Coin for the Year of the Tiger

999 Silver, with the tiger gilded in 999.9 gold

38 millimeters

1 ounce

2 Dollars (Tuvalu Currency)

50,000 pieces

Wax apples from a painting by Ko-chi Chang symbolize the hope that, as we move into a new year, we can go from good to better. The red hue of the wax apples, applied to the silver proof obverse through an inkjet printing technique, accentuates the graded relief of the coin's surface while imparting a tonal richness. Above these elements appears a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.

The main theme of the coin, known in Chinese as "the tiger of fortune and plenty," augurs the coming of a new year full of all things good. The powerful Bengal tiger shown here reigns in the wild as king of the beasts, and serves to symbolize kingliness in the world of man. The design makes use of modern elements to depict the tiger in a realistic manner, lying calm and composed much like a king on his throne amidst the richness of a sub-tropical landscape. The power and beauty of the effortlessly imposing beast exude a regal air. The layered relief and sandblast finish of the tiger and its surrounding natural elements make for a stark contrast with the brilliant silver proof surface of the surrounding face of the coin, thus highlighting all the more clearly the raised relief design and the scintillating quality of the craftsmanship.

The Bank of Taiwan has hired the Central Mint to make a "Proof Silver Coinfor the Year of the Tiger." A gold-plated tiger cuts a striking figure onthe reverse side, while luscious red-tinted wax apples grace the obverse ofthis finely executed masterpiece. This limited-issue coin is denominated in Tuvalu currency.