The Perth Mint of Australia continues its series of investment coins featuring the Eastern Zodiac. The gold coin weighing a half of a troy ounce is dedicated to the year 2025, which is the year of the snake.

The Eastern zodiac, which is also known as the Chinese zodiac, contains twelve zodiac signs - twelve animals that represent twelve temperaments with positive and negative traits. Unlike the classical horoscope we are used to in Europe, each of these signs belongs to one whole year, and once all the animals have been replaced, the twelve-year cycle begins anew... The year 2025 is dedicated to the sixth animal of the Chinese zodiac - the snake. Why? Legend tells of the Jade Emperor who ruled the heavens and sought someone to guard his palace. Twelve creatures competed for the emperor's favour - a rat, a buffalo, a tiger, a hare, a dragon, a snake, a horse, a goat, a monkey, a rooster, a dog and a pig. Their position in the palace was to be decided by a great race. The snake was not a good swimmer, thus not one of the favourites, but in the end he came a fine sixth. He was cunning and caught the hoof of a fast horse. Just before the end of the race,  the snake frightened the horse and crawled to the finish... People who are born under the influence of a snake can cope with any unexpected situation. They're versatile and adaptable. They have a strong intuition and improvisation is their nature. They are determined to achieve their goals but hate failure. Therefore, they can be easily stressed and if they are irritable, it is best to give them space and time.

The reverse side of the gold coin presents a writhing snake skillfully climbing the stems of a bamboo. Inscriptions in Chinese and English and the year 2025 complete the composition. The obverse side of the coin bears the name and portrait of King Charles III and the nominal value of 50 DOLLARS (AUD). The design of the coin is the work of Perth Mint designer Sean Rogers.

The gold coin is a valuable investment and an attractive gift - for example, for the birth of a child.