These two amazing Canadian yin and yang-shaped silver coins feature two heroes of Chinese tradition—the Tiger and the Dragon. They are designed to fit together to form a perfect circle. The theme of balance is fully realized in their stunning imagery, rich colour, and singular design!
Yin and yang function together to represent harmony and balance among opposing forces. Though associated with opposition traits (Tiger/Dragon, black/white, feminine/masculine, hard/soft, heaven/earth), there is no hierarchy between them. The Tiger, earthy and cunning, conjures strength and bravery. The mythical Dragon, master of the heavens, is associated with power and was once synonymous with the Emperor himself.
Each element of the reverse and obverse designs has been carefully selected to honour Chinese culture and tradition. The first coin features a stylized painted Tiger set against a black painted field decorated with traditional auspicious cloud motifs from Chinese art. The Tiger stalks across the white dot that traditionally appears in the black yin form to connote balance. The eastern portion of the reverse features an intricate engraved border that is completed on the other coin, forming a full decorative outer circle when the two coins are fitted together. The second coin is shaped in the traditional yang form and features a vividly coloured Dragon. The Dragon, like the Tiger, is set against a coloured background—in this case, the traditional white background of the yang form. As on the yin coin, a balancing black dot appears in the image—wrapped in the sinewy coils of the Dragon’s tail. The background is decorated with stylized auspicious clouds. The unique obverses of both coins feature the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt. The remaining design elements on the obverse are drawn from imagery found in traditional Chinese ceramics art, including beautifully engraved flowers and branches against a background of stylized auspicious clouds.
Coin Specifications
Year: 2018
Mintage: 6,000 coins worldwide.
Weight: 1oz. (31.74 grams)
Composition: 99.99% pure silver
Finish: Proof
Diameter: 39mm
Image and description courtesy of the Royal Canadian Mint (http://www.mint.ca/store/coins/1-oz.-pure-silver-coins—black-and-white-emyinem-and-emyangem-tiger-and-dragon—mintage-6000-2018-prod3140264)
