Proof Silver Coin for the Year of the Rabbit
| Name | Proof Silver Coin for the Year of the Rabbit |
|---|---|
| Composition | 999 silver, with the rabbit gilded in 999.9 gold |
| Diameter |
38 millimeters |
| Weight |
1 ounce |
| Face value |
2 Dollars (Tuvalu Currency) |
| Limited Mintage |
50,000 pieces |
| Image：Obverse |
Green plums from a painting by Ko-chi Chang perfectly symbolize the auspicious beginning of a new lunar year, for this is the season when the green plum comes into bloom. The green hues of the leaves and fruit, applied to the silver proof obverse through an inkjet printing technique, accentuate the graded relief of the coin's surface while imparting a tonal richness. Above these elements appears a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. |
| Image：Reverse |
The rabbit is a symbol of alertness, wisdom, caution, and good fortune. As the main theme of the coin, the auspicious Jade Rabbit augurs the coming of a good year in which careers soar and dreams come true, while the overall design artfully displays quintessentially Taiwanese elements in a realistic style. The pleasingly plump rabbit crouches in a bountiful landscape defined by Jade Mountain. The ancient singleseed juniper tree on the right-hand side stands gnarled but hardy, while Taiwan Alpine Rhododendrons blossoms on the left. Taken together, the tree and flowers beautifully frame the scene. The layered relief and sandblast finish of the Jade Rabbit and its surrounding natural elements make for a stark contrast with the brilliant silver proof surface of the face of the coin, thus highlighting all the more clearly the raised relief design and the scintillating quality of the craftsmanship. |
| Description |
The Bank of Taiwan has hired the Central Mint to make a "Proof Silver Coin for the Year of the Rabbit." A gold-plated Jade Rabbit — an East Asian folkloric figure that lives on the Moon — appears on the reverse side with Taiwan's Jade Mountain looming prominently in the background. How appropriate, indeed, that the Jade Rabbit should come down to Jade Mountain to start the Year of the Rabbit! Meanwhile, a sprig of Chinese plums graces the obverse side and clearly shows the superb craftsmanship of the team that fashioned this limited-issue coin. |