10 Dollars - Elizabeth II 4th Portrait - Year of the Dog - Silver Bullion Coin

Historical Context: The 2006 Australian 10 Dollar Year of the Dog coin was issued during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, featuring her fourth definitive portrait by Ian Rank-Broadley. This era marked a boom in modern bullion coinage, with the Perth Mint leading the way in innovative series. The coin is a significant issue within the highly successful Lunar Series I, which commenced in 1996. It capitalized on global interest in the Chinese zodiac, particularly within Asian markets, establishing a precedent for thematic bullion programs.

Artistry: The obverse features Ian Rank-Broadley's widely recognized fourth effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, a realistic and mature portrayal. The reverse design, characteristic of the Perth Mint's artistic style for the Lunar Series, depicts a detailed German Shepherd dog, representing the Year of the Dog. This naturalistic yet stylized rendition captures the animal's alert posture and texture, often accompanied by the Chinese character for "dog" and the coin's weight and purity. The aesthetic balances traditional portraiture with contemporary animal artistry.

Technical/Grading: Struck from .999 fine silver, this substantial coin weighs 311.1 grams (10 troy ounces) and measures an impressive 75.5 millimeters in diameter. Given its large planchet, these issues typically exhibit a strong, full strike across both sides. High-points for grading include the fine details of the Queen's hair and crown on the obverse, and the intricate fur texture and facial features of the dog on the reverse. The fields are usually highly reflective, contrasting with frosted devices, indicative of a high-quality bullion strike.