Australian Lunar 2024: Review and Investment Potential of the 'Year of the Dragon' Coin

Review of the New Release: Australian Lunar 'Year of the Dragon 2024'

A new addition has appeared on the numismatic market—the Australian Lunar, dedicated to the symbol of 2024, the Chinese dragon. These coins, made of gold and silver, have already begun to reach the first buyers and collectors.

The Australian Lunar series is considered a must-have for many investors and collectors. It has been on the market since 1996, and the current issue belongs to the third generation. The 'Year of the Dragon' coin is the fifth in this twelve-year series.

Thanks to its popularity and long history, the Australian Lunar series has become an integral part of many investment portfolios. They are collected by almost everyone interested in precious metal investments, which confirms the high status of this series.

The Gold Lunar: A Flagship for Investment

Among all the coins in the series, the one-ounce gold Lunar deserves special attention. This particular coin fully justifies its 'investment' title, as it demonstrates stable value growth year after year.

These coins are known for their high collectible potential, which is almost independent of the current metal price. Their value increases over time due to a limited mintage and high demand from collectors worldwide.

Thanks to the combination of artistic value and investment appeal, the one-ounce gold Lunar has become a benchmark in the world of collectible precious metal coins.

Design Comparison: Gold vs. Silver

Traditionally, the designs of the gold and silver coins differ. In the 2024 release, many believe the gold version is significantly more successful. The design of the silver coin raises questions due to its peculiar perspective.

On the silver coin, the dragon is depicted flying directly at the viewer, which gives it a somewhat cartoonish appearance and deprives the image of volume. In contrast, the gold coin presents a more classic and presentable look.

The side-view perspective of the dragon on the gold coin looks much more pleasing and aesthetic, highlighting the engravers' skill and giving the image a noble appearance.

Coin Obverse and Minting Quality

Despite expectations that the 2024 coins would feature a portrait of King Charles III on the obverse, the Perth Mint has retained the image of Queen Elizabeth II. This decision was made to maintain the visual consistency of the entire third Lunar series.

While other series, such as the 'Tudor Beasts,' have already switched to the new monarch's portrait, the Lunars will retain the Queen's image until the end of the current cycle. From a collection integrity standpoint, this decision seems justified.

• Relief polishing, creating an effect of two different shades of gold: a calm matte and a contrasting polished finish.
• Original protective capsule.
• Complete absence of minting defects.

Investment Potential and Analysis of Past Issues

The 'Year of the Dragon' coin was released in November-December 2023, a period when the price of gold broke its all-time high and remains above $2,000 per ounce. The dragon itself is a very popular symbol in collecting, which adds to the coin's appeal.

Since this is the fifth coin out of twelve, collectors still have time to start building the series. However, experience shows that by the time the seventh or eighth coin is released, the value of the 'Dragon' could increase significantly.

• The 'Ox' coin (2021) has not seen a significant price increase in three years.
• The 'Rabbit' coin (2023) is also not expected to grow significantly in value.
• The 'Tiger' coin (2022) has appreciated substantially, due to both the symbol's popularity and the jump in gold prices that year.
• The 'Mouse' coin (2020), despite the rise in gold prices, has only increased slightly in value—by about $50 compared to current issues.

Buying Strategy: Which Coins to Choose?

When choosing coins to purchase, it's important to consider that their investment appeal depends on their size. For example, the 1/20 ounce 'Mouse' coin is now worth twice as much as the equivalent 'Dragon' coin, while the one-ounce versions show almost no difference in price.

• Gold: It is recommended to purchase the entire set from 1/20 to 1 ounce. Heavier coins generally appreciate more slowly and are less liquid.
• Silver: The one-ounce coin is a 'solid' choice. The 0.5 and 2-ounce coins are excellent for gifts, with the two-ounce version looking particularly massive and impressive.

It is best to make a purchase at the start of sales, as coins sell out over time and dealers begin to raise prices. However, prices can be inflated at the very beginning due to high excitement, so it may be wise to observe the market for a while.