1000 Dollars - Elizabeth II 4th Portrait - Year of the Dragon - Gold Bullion Coin

Historical Context: Issued by Australia in 2012, this 1000 Dollar gold bullion coin features the 4th portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, marking a significant period in her long reign. This coin is a prominent example from the Perth Mint's highly successful Lunar Series, which celebrates the Chinese zodiac. The 2012 "Year of the Dragon" issue was particularly anticipated, as the dragon symbolizes power, good fortune, and prosperity in Asian culture, making it exceptionally popular among collectors and investors globally.

Artistry: The obverse bears the elegant fourth effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, depicting the monarch facing right, a hallmark of modern British Commonwealth coinage. The reverse showcases a magnificent and highly detailed Chinese dragon, a recurring motif in the Perth Mint's artistic tradition. This intricate design, characteristic of the Mint's commitment to realism and cultural themes, is complemented by the "YEAR OF THE DRAGON" inscription, the year "2012," and the Chinese character for dragon.

Technical/Grading: Struck from 311.035 grams (ten troy ounces) of .9999 pure gold, this substantial coin boasts an impressive 75.6 mm diameter, allowing for exceptional design presence. Key high-points for grading include the fine details of the Queen's hair on the obverse and the intricate scales, claws, and whiskers of the dragon on the reverse. Expect a sharp, full strike with brilliant fields and frosted devices, typical of high-quality bullion production, indicating minimal wear even in uncirculated examples.