2010 1/2oz Perth Mint Silver Lunar Tiger Coin Series 2

Description

The Tiger is one of the most celebrated animals in the Chinese zodiac, fierce, courageous and magnetic, and 2010 was a uniquely significant year to collect it. For the only time in the Lunar programme’s history, both a Series I and a Series II Tiger were released simultaneously, giving collectors a choice of two distinct designs in the same year. The ½oz Series II Tiger carries the distinctive head-close-up design of Lunar Series II, and represents the third year of what would become one of the world’s most successful modern bullion programmes.

The reverse features a striking depiction of a tiger’s head – focused, powerful and rendered with exceptional engraved detail, including every stripe, whisker and the intensity of its gaze. The Chinese character for “Tiger,” the inscription “Year of the Tiger” and the Perth Mint “P” mintmark complete a design that balances raw strength with artistic precision. The obverse carries the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, along with the coin’s face value of 50c AUD, weight, purity and year of issue – issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965 and backed by the Australian government.

Struck in 999 pure silver, the ½oz format is the most accessible in the Series II range – an ideal entry point for new collectors and a natural complement for those already building a complete set. Perth Mint official records confirm a declared mintage of 50,035 for the 2010 ½oz Tiger, placing it among the more moderately circulated ½oz releases in the early years of the programme – significantly more than the ½oz Mouse (17,114) and Ox (17,674) from the two preceding years, reflecting the Tiger’s broad and enduring appeal. Production ceased at the close of 2010. Each coin is presented in an individual protective capsule.

In the Chinese zodiac, the Tiger is the third animal – determined, courageous, confident and magnetic. Those born in Tiger years – 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 and 2010 – are considered natural leaders, bold in action and formidable in character. This coin makes a meaningful and lasting gift for anyone born under the sign.