2013 Australia 1oz Silver Lunar Snake MS70 Early Release NGC

The 2013 Australia 1 Ounce Silver Lunar Snake, certified MS70 Early Release by NGC, is one of the standout modern bullion issues produced by The Perth Mint as part of its highly acclaimed Australian Lunar Series II. Struck from one troy ounce of .999 fine silver, this coin celebrates the Year of the Snake, the sixth animal in the twelve-year Chinese lunar zodiac. Combining exceptional silver purity, changing annual artwork, Australian legal tender status, and the highest possible Mint State certification, the 2013 Lunar Snake has become a favorite among collectors of modern world coins, precious metals, and Chinese zodiac themes. The Early Release designation further enhances its appeal by identifying the coin as one submitted for grading within the qualifying period immediately following its release by The Perth Mint.

The Chinese lunar zodiac has been observed for thousands of years and remains one of the most recognizable cultural traditions in the world. Each year is associated with one of twelve animals, with every animal believed to influence the personalities and fortunes of those born during its year. The Snake symbolizes wisdom, intelligence, intuition, elegance, patience, and careful planning. Individuals born during Snake years are traditionally regarded as thoughtful, perceptive, and resourceful. These longstanding beliefs have contributed to the popularity of lunar-themed coins across many countries, especially among collectors who appreciate both their artistic beauty and cultural significance. The Perth Mint's Lunar Series has become one of the world's premier annual bullion programs because it combines these ancient traditions with outstanding Australian minting craftsmanship.

Australia has earned an international reputation for producing some of the finest modern bullion and collector coins available today. The Perth Mint, established in 1899 during Western Australia's gold rush, originally operated as a branch of Britain's Royal Mint and was responsible for refining locally mined gold and striking sovereigns. Following Australia's growing independence, The Perth Mint expanded its operations and eventually became one of the world's leading producers of precious-metal bullion coins, commemoratives, and collector editions. Its Lunar Series has attracted worldwide attention because each year introduces a completely new reverse design while maintaining consistently high production standards. The 2013 Silver Lunar Snake continues this tradition, demonstrating why Perth Mint products remain highly respected by collectors and investors alike.

The reverse of the 2013 Lunar Snake features an elegant depiction of a snake coiled gracefully around a tree branch. The detailed engraving captures the reptile's distinctive scales, muscular body, and alert posture with remarkable realism. The composition is balanced and uncluttered, allowing the snake to remain the clear focal point while conveying the quiet confidence traditionally associated with the zodiac animal. The Chinese character for "Snake" appears alongside the English inscription "Year of the Snake," while The Perth Mint's famous "P" mintmark identifies the issuing mint. The reverse demonstrates exceptional artistic quality, combining traditional symbolism with modern engraving techniques to create a design that is attractive from every angle and instantly recognizable within the Lunar Series II collection.

The obverse displays the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II designed by Ian Rank-Broadley. This right-facing effigy served on Australian coinage for many years and presents Her Majesty wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. Surrounding inscriptions identify Elizabeth II, the issuing country of Australia, the one-dollar denomination, and the year of issue. The weight and purity are also included, confirming that the coin contains one troy ounce of .999 fine silver. The obverse establishes the coin's status as official Australian legal tender while complementing the more artistic wildlife-inspired reverse. Together, both sides create a harmonious design that reflects Australia's role as a Commonwealth nation while celebrating the cultural traditions of the Chinese lunar calendar.

The 2013 Australia 1 Ounce Silver Lunar Snake was struck from one troy ounce of .999 fine silver using The Perth Mint's advanced bullion production techniques. The one-ounce format has become the standard size for modern silver bullion because it offers an ideal balance between affordability, precious-metal content, and ease of storage. Each coin meets strict quality standards for weight and purity, making it attractive to both bullion investors and collectors. The maximum mintage for the 2013 one-ounce Silver Lunar Snake bullion coin was limited to 300,000 pieces. This mintage cap distinguishes the Lunar Series from unlimited bullion issues and has contributed to its long-term popularity among collectors who appreciate annual designs with defined production limits.

This particular example carries the coveted MS70 grade from NGC, representing the highest numerical Mint State grade awarded under the Sheldon grading scale. An MS70 coin is considered flawless under standard grading conditions, exhibiting no post-production imperfections visible at the magnification used during professional evaluation. Every detail of the snake's scales, the tree branch, Queen Elizabeth II's portrait, the legends, and the rims should remain fully struck and sharply defined. Original mint luster should cover the entire surface, while the fields should remain exceptionally clean. Although modern bullion coins often appear attractive when newly struck, relatively few achieve perfect MS70 certification, making these examples especially desirable to collectors.

The Early Release designation adds another level of collectibility to this certified coin. NGC awards the Early Release label to coins received for grading within a specified period following their initial release from the issuing mint. While the designation does not indicate that the coin was struck before all others, it confirms that it entered the grading process during the earliest distribution period. Many collectors specifically seek Early Release examples because they appreciate owning coins associated with the beginning of an issue's availability. Combined with the perfect MS70 grade, the Early Release designation creates a highly desirable certified modern bullion coin that stands above standard uncertified examples.

Proper preservation is essential for maintaining the exceptional quality represented by an MS70 grade. Silver bullion coins can develop milk spots, fingerprints, toning, or surface marks if handled improperly. Certification by NGC protects the coin within a sealed holder that helps preserve its condition while providing independent authentication and grade verification. Collectors generally value original, undisturbed surfaces that retain the brilliant appearance intended by The Perth Mint. The encapsulated holder also offers long-term protection from environmental exposure and accidental damage, helping maintain both the coin's beauty and its certified status for future generations of collectors.

Today, the 2013 Australia 1 Ounce Silver Lunar Snake MS70 Early Release NGC remains one of the most desirable issues in The Perth Mint's celebrated Lunar Series II. It combines one troy ounce of .999 fine silver, outstanding Australian craftsmanship, the elegant Year of the Snake design, official Australian legal tender status, a maximum bullion mintage of 300,000 pieces, perfect MS70 certification, and the added appeal of the Early Release designation. Whether collected as part of a complete Lunar Series, a certified silver bullion collection, or a broader selection of modern world coins, this issue stands as an excellent example of contemporary numismatic artistry. It successfully blends ancient cultural symbolism with modern minting precision, creating a coin that continues to attract collectors throughout the world.