![[Most Recent Quotes from www.kitco.com]](http://www.kitconet.com/images/quotes_2a.gif)
2013 Year of the Snake Silver Coins Released by Canadian Mint
August 30, 2012 by Darrin Lee Unser · Leave a Comment
In its latest collection of coins to feature creatures found on the Chinese lunar calendar, the Royal Canadian Mint has released three 2013 Year of the Snake silver coins. One is a standard-shaped $15 coin, another is a lotus-shaped $15 coin and the last is a smaller denominated $10 coin.
Canadian 2013 Year of the Snake Silver Coins – $15 proof, $15 Lotus proof and $10
All three are composed of 99.99% pure silver with reverses depicting an image of a snake as part of the lunar celebration. Each $15 coin is minted to proof quality with the $10 offered in specimen quality.
Additional information on the silver coins is offered below:
2013 $15 Year of the Snake Lotus Silver Proof Coin
Canadian 2013 $15 Year of the Snake Lotus Silver Proof Coin
The 2013 $15 Year of the Snake Lotus Silver Proof Coin is struck in a scalloped shape reminiscent of a lotus blossom. This coin is issued as the fourth coin of a lunar series which debuted in 2010, but it will be held to a lower mintage.
A maximum of 28,888 will be released. In comparison, the 2012 Dragon Lotus coin had a maximum mintage of 48,888.
Shown on the reverse is a scene by Three Degrees Creative Group, which carries such detail that scales of the reptile are visible.
Each coin ships inside a specially designed Asian-themed display case. Current pricing on the strike is listed as CAD $98.88.
2013 $15 Year of the Snake Silver Proof Coin
Canadian 2013 $15 Year of the Snake Silver Proof Coin
The 2013 $15 Year of the Snake Silver Proof Coin is also offered as the fourth release in a series. According to the Royal Canadian Mint, no more than 28,888 will be sold to the public.
Reverses contain a design originally completed by Canadian artist Aries Cheung. The snake is shown partially coiled with inscriptions surrounding it.
Like the related lotus coin, its ships in a specially designed Asian-inspired display case. Also like the lotus coin, the listed price of this release is CAD $98.88.
2013 $10 Year of the Snake Silver Coin
Canadian 2013 $10 Year of the Snake Silver Coin
A more affordable option is the 2013 $10 Year of the Snake Silver Coin for CAD $39.95. Its maximum mintage is fixed at 88,888.
While these coins are produced with a specimen quality finish, the Royal Canadian Mint notes that the reverse "includes both brilliant and mirrored surfaces and the background are striated using laser etching that results in a matte finish."
Each $10 coin is encapsulated and presented in a maroon display case.
Specifications for Canadian 2013 Year of the Snake Silver Coins
| $15 Lotus Proof Silver Coins | $15 Proof Silver Coins | $10 Silver Coins | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face Value | $15 | $15 | $10 |
| Maximum Mintage | 28,888 | 28,888 | 88,888 |
| Silver Content | 99.99% | 99.99% | 99.99% |
| Diameter | 38 mm | 38 mm | 34 mm |
| Weight | 26.7 g | 31.139 g | 15.87 g |
| Edge | plain | serrated | serrated |
| Finish | proof | proof | specimen |
For information on the silver coins or to place an order, visit the Royal Canadian Mint website at http://www.mint.ca/.
About the Chinese lunar calendar
Use of the Chinese lunar calendar dates back millennia. It links the years in a twelve year cycle with each annual period tied to a different animal including the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. 2013 is the Year of the Snake and runs from February 10, 2013 through January 30, 2014.
Those born under the Year of the Snake are said to be good tempered and have great wisdom.
