Take a look at these 2013 Year of the Snake Chinese Almanac Coins

They are ready for circulation comes January 4.

 The coins launched by Monetary Singapore are part of the third Chinese Almanac Coins Series. The image of the snake is integrated with ancient Chinese seal characters in a design that combines tradition with modernity.

 The animal is symbolised by the Chinese characters of the “Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches” to enhance its oriental flavour. The design incorporates a peony which is a symbol of blessing and festive cheer.

The coins will come in nine versions, including a 1 kg coin made of 999 fine silver that was first introduced in the 2012 Year of the Dragon coin collection. Selected premium sets will include a unique 8-sided floral-shaped ingot featuring a snake sitting amidst a pond of lotuses, symbolising peace and harmony in the Year of the Snake.

The obverse of the coin bears the Singapore Arms with the year 2013.

Limited Worldwide Mintage

The details of the coins are:
a. $200 Gold Proof Coin
5 troy ounce of 999.9 fine gold with a diameter of 60 mm. Limited mintage of 200 pieces
b. $100 Gold Proof Coin
1 troy ounce of 999.9 fine gold. Mintage of 2,000 pieces.
c. $5 Gold Proof Coin
¼ troy ounce of 999.9 fine gold. Mintage of 2,000 pieces.
d. $1 Gold Brilliant Uncirculated Coin
With a diameter of only 7 mm and weighing only 0.3 gm, it is the smallest 999.9 gold coin issued by MAS. Mintage of 10,000 pieces.
e. $80 Silver Proof-like Coin
Minted in 1 kg of 999 fine silver, it is the largest coin issued by MAS with a diameter of 100 mm. Limited mintage of 1,000 pieces.
f. $25 Silver Proof Coin
5 troy ounce of 999 fine silver with a diameter of 65 mm. Limited mintage of 250 pieces.
g. $10 Silver Piedford Proof Colour Coin
The Snake is featured on this coin in full colour, with a peony incorporated on its body. It is minted in 2 troy ounce of 999 fine silver with twice the thickness of an ordinary coin. Mintage of 20,000 pieces.
h. $2 Silver Proof Coin
20 gm of 999 fine silver. Mintage of 10,000 pieces.
i. $2 Cupro-Nickel Proof-like Coin
20 gm of Cupro-Nickel alloy. Mintage of 80,000 pieces.

The Lunar Snake Coins are also available in premium sets:

a. 3-in-1 Coin Set
Consists of a 1 troy ounce of 999.9 fine gold proof coin, a 2 troy ounce of 999 fine silver piedfort proof coloured coin, a cupro-nickel proof-like coin and a floral-shaped ingot. These coins are part of the coin mintages that are sold individually.
The gold coin in the 3-in-1 coin set is engraved with a serial number matching that of the accompanying certificate of authenticity. Limited to 500 sets.
b. 5 Troy Ounce Lunar Series Coin Set
Consists of a 5 troy ounce of 999.9 fine gold proof coin and a 5 troy ounce of 999 fine silver proof coin. They are positioned to form the auspicious figure ‘8’. Each coin set comes with a serialised certificate of authenticity. These coins are part of the coin mintages that are sold individually. Limited to 88 sets.
c. 2-in-1 Coin Set
Consists of a 2 troy ounce of 999 fine silver piedfort proof coin, a cupro-nickel proof-like coin and a floral-shaped ingot. These coins are part of the coin mintages that are sold individually. Limited to 3,000 sets.

2013 Uncirculated Coin Set (5¢ to $5)
This set consists of five denominations, i.e. 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1, as well as a $5 scallop-edged coin with a latent image of the year ‘2013’ and the MAS logo. The set is presented in an attractive Hongbao pack. Mintage of 60,000 sets.