Proof Silver Coin for the Year of the Dragon

999 silver, with dragon gilded in 999.9 gold.

38 millimeters

1 ounce

2 Dollars (Tuvalu Currency)

50,000 pieces

Longan fruits from a painting by Ko-chi Chang symbolize a wish for good fortune and prosperity. The yellow-green hue of the longan fruits, 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 the late Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, who was Head of the Commonwealth from 1952 to 2022.

The dragon reigns supreme among all the mythical beasts of the Far East. Since ancient times it has symbolized dignity and good fortune, and on this coin brings to mind the idea of a "Soaring Dragon Bringing Auspicious Signs," which represents simple yet important best wishes: may the beast of fortune come round, let there be happiness and peace, let the dragon cavort all about, may the wind and rains gently support the crops. The main theme of the coin's design is a high-spirited golden dragon, which in its tightly coiled form appears poised to careen through the heavens. Glowering with passion, claws extended to grasp a blazing pearl, the dragon exudes an air of tremendous pride. This formidable beast, immovable in its sinewy power, demonstrates true strength in a truly meaningful display. The gold gilded dragon contrasts starkly 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 entrusted the Central Mint to make a "Proof Silver Coin for the Year of the Dragon." A gold gilded dragon — an East Asian symbol of good fortune — appears on the reverse side. Meanwhile, a sprig of longan fruits (literally, "dragon eye" fruits) adorns the obverse side and clearly shows the superb craftsmanship of the team that fashioned this limited-issue coin.