Each embodying unique strengths, the Tiger and the Dragon are ancient symbols referenced throughout Chinese myth, astronomy, and astrology. This exquisitely designed 99.99% pure gold coin, featuring a square hole pierced through its centre, celebrates the ageless story of these two mythic powers. The Royal Canadian Mint’s first gold holed coin is beautifully designed and engraved using traditional Chinese imagery and motifs on both its reverse and obverse sides.
The reverse design by Canadian artist Charles Vinh features the image of a tiger and a dragon facing one another across the coin’s pierced centre. This central square hole is a traditional motif used in Chinese minting to represent the Earth and the national landmass. Above the hole, the stylized yinyang symbol, created using different finishes, underscores the coin’s central theme of
balance. The yinyang symbol is surrounded by elemental flames. On the left side of the image, the Tiger, associated in Chinese tradition with the western compass point, shows its back to the viewer as it climbs toward the top of the image. Its face is viewed in profile as it turns its head toward the Dragon on its right. On the right side of the image, the Dragon, associated with the eastern compass point, is presented in profile, facing the Tiger to its left. Its claws are raised and its scale-covered body coils sinuously. The obverse design, also by Charles Vinh, features two elaborately carved phoenixes—fittingly associated with the feminine, the Empress, and the Queen when juxtaposed with the Dragon featured on the reverse of the coin. The phoenixes flank each side of the central square hole, above which is the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt. The effigy is engraved within a smooth polished circle that is detailed on each side with stylized scrollwork.
