The Australian Lunar series of coins epitomises the Perth Mint's rich tradition of minting bullion coins portraying Chinese themes. The reverse design of this year's release marks the 2013 Year of the Snake, one of the 12 animals associated with the ancient Chinese lunar calendar and the sixth coin in this series.
In Chinese culture, people born in the Year of the Snake - 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 and 2013 - are regarded as wise, mysterious, creative, sensual, graceful, responsible and compassionate.
The coins depict a representation of a snake hanging from a tree branch. The Chinese character for 'snake' and the inscription 'Year of the Snake' also appear in the design, along with the Perth Mint's traditional 'P' mintmark.