Crafted in 18-karat rose gold and pavé set with 3 carats of extraordinarily rare Argyle pink diamonds, “The Jewelled Tiger” strikes a menacing pose on the face of The Perth Mint’s 2020 limited-edition 3D coin.
Priced at $177,275 (AUD $259,000), The Jeweled Tiger represents the third in a series of highly collectible coins showcasing Asia’s revered mythical and mortal creatures. The 2018 Jewelled Phoenix and 2019 Jewelled Dragon coins sold out within weeks of their respective release dates.
Recognizing the significance of the number eight in Asian cultures and its association with luck and prosperity, only eight Jewelled Tiger coins will be issued by The Perth Mint, each presented in a luxurious display case with 18-karat gold accents and inset with two additional Argyle pink diamonds.
The proof coin is unusual because it features a three-dimensional representation of the beast known as the “king of the mountain.” The super-rare gems that make up the body of the tiger include a mix of fancy vivid, intense pink and purplish-pink Argyle diamonds. The diamonds are highly coveted because Australia’s Argyle mine — the main source of the world’s gem-quality pink diamonds — will be retired in 2020. Two emeralds from Colombia’s legendary Muzo mines are used to represent the tiger’s brilliant green eyes.
The coin’s reverse design is rendered In the style of literati painting, with the tiger depicted ascending a rocky outcrop with stylized mountains and foliage in the background. Also included is the Chinese character for “tiger,” the inscription “JEWELLED TIGER” and The Perth Mint’s traditional “P” mintmark. The obverse features the Jody Clark effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the weight and fineness, the “2000 DOLLARS” monetary denomination, “AUSTRALIA,” the Queen’s name and the year 2020.
The Jewelled Tiger coin measures 61 mm (2.4 inches) across and includes 10 ounces of 99.99 fineness yellow gold and .41 ounces of 18-karat rose gold. The unique coin will be on display at The Perth Mint shop in East Perth until supplies run out.
Please check out The Perth Mint’s promotional video…
Credits: Images courtesy of The Perth Mint.
