Year of the Dragon - Dragon with a pearl, 1 Dollar, Series: Chinese Calendar

The upcoming year 2012 will be celebrated as the Chinese Year of the Dragon. On this occasion the Mint of Poland is releasing three commemorative coins: one gold and two silver ones. The “Chinese Calendar” is a series of commemorative coins within the framework of which the Mint of Poland offers every year one of the twelve animals that in the following year will patronize the Chinese Zodiac: Pig, Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Dog, Monkey and Rooster.

The 12-year cycle repeats five times because each time the year of the given animal appears under the sign of different element: water, earth, wood, fire or metal. It is believed that the animal assigned by year and the element influence sociopolitical and economic events as well as character and skills of people born in the particular year. According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of the Dragon begins January 23rd, 2012 and ends February 9th, 2013

Each coin of the series has its equivalent for children.

Obverse:
The central part of the coin depicts the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Above it – a semicircular inscription: ELIZABETH II NIUE ISLAND. Below it – a nominal value of the coin (1 Dollar) and a year of issue (2011). Under the effigy of Elizabeth II, on the right – the Mint’s trademark (mw).

Reverse:
In the centre – an image of the Chinese dragon, depicted in a pad printing technique. In his left paw – a shiny pearl – a symbol of the imperial power. Above it – a Chinese logogram meaning “Year of the Dragon”. In the background – stylized images of waves presented in an oriental style (the 2012 year appears under the sign of the water element). Under the dragon – an inscription: “YEAR OF THE DRAGON 2012”.

Designer: Dobrochna Surajewska

People born in the Year of the Dragon are innovative, enterprising, self-assured, brave, passionate and full of energy. They prefer enjoying outdoor activities rather than staying at home. Dragon people work hard, but being born leaders, they would rather give orders than receive them, therefore they should avoid jobs that involve too much routine and should opt for the jobs in which their self-reliance can be appreciated. They like to spend money and are generous with themselves as well as with others.