The Royal Canadian Mint has unveiled a brand new $8 silver coin in celebration of the Lunar Year of the Dragon.
The reverse of the new Canadian coin, titled: 1/4 oz. Pure Silver — Lunar Year of the Dragon. features a massive dragon designed by Canadian artist Aries Cheung.
"The sole mythical creature in the Chinese Zodiac, the indomitable Dragon is the symbol of great power and good fortune, of success and strength," the Royal Canadian Mint said on its website.
1/4 oz. Pure Silver — Lunar Year of the DragonThe Royal Canadian Mint
The reverse of the new Canadian coin features a massive dragon designed by Canadian artist Aries Cheung.
Coin collectors will be able to spot the dragon gracefully snaking its way across the sky, extending its claws out to reach two auspicious motifs: a brand covered in plum blossoms, which is the Chinese New Year flower that symbolizes resilience, vitality and courage, as well as a celebratory lantern, which is adorned with the Chinese character that translates to "Dragon" in English.
”This joyful and energetic Dragon, together with the spring-heralding plum blossom and the celebratory lantern, sends the blessing of optimism, health and happiness, and promises us prosperity and strength for the new year," Cheung said.
1/4 oz. Pure Silver — Lunar Year of the DragonThe Royal Canadian Mint
As for the obverse of the coin, collectors will be able to spot the iconic effigy of the late Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Susanna Blunt. The obverse also bears a special marking that includes four pearls symbolizing the four effigies that have graced Canadian coins and the double date of her reign.
The eight-dollar coin weighs 7.96 grams and has a diameter of 27 millimetres. The Royal Canadian Mint has decided on a mintage total of 38,888 new coins.
1/4 oz. Pure Silver — Lunar Year of the DragonThe Royal Canadian Mint
While the face value of the new coin is, in fact, eight dollars, it will cost you slightly more to get your hands on it. The Lunar Year of the Dragon coin can be purchased on the RToyal Canadian Mint website for $33.88.
When purchased, the new coin comes in a red folder with a removable capsule for easy viewing. It also comes with a ready-to-mail red envelope, evoking the Chinese New Year custom of gifting “lucky money” in a red envelope.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.