The Lunar Year of the Rooster 2017 UK Five Ounce Silver Proof Coin emerges as a remarkable specimen within the Shēngxiào Collection, limited to only 388 units. Merging British craftsmanship with Chinese tradition, this coin stands testament to the harmonious blend of cultures, inviting collectors to delve into a rich tapestry of symbolism associated with the Rooster.
As part of a series that showcases the intricate artistry and history behind lunar symbols, the Lunar Year of the Rooster 2017 UK Five Ounce coin holds particular allure. Its significance extends beyond its aesthetic, symbolizing punctuality and the warding off of evil spirits, thus rendering it a coveted piece among collectors and those born in the Rooster years.
The Significance of the Rooster in Lunar Year Traditions
Delving into the cultural tapestry of the Lunar Year of the Rooster, it’s essential to understand the multifaceted significance of the rooster within Chinese traditions and the broader zodiac system. The rooster, designed by Wuon-Gean Ho for the series, is not merely an animal but a symbol rich in meaning. In Chinese culture, numbers carry weight, with ten symbolizing perfection and eight regarded as particularly auspicious. This symbolism extends to those born in the Year of the Rooster, for whom the coin can serve as a modern nod to the age-old tradition of gift-giving during the Chinese New Year.
The Chinese zodiac, a 12-year cycle with each year assigned an animal, influences personality traits and fortunes. The Rooster, known for fidelity and punctuality, embodies auspicious connotations. Ancestors revered the rooster’s crow as a signal that awakens people and dispels darkness, often incorporating it into art to convey wishes for prosperity. The Rooster’s position as the tenth sign in the zodiac cycle underscores its attributes of dependability, honesty, and emotional volatility, impacting those born under its sign.
Celebrations of the Chinese New Year, into which the Year of the Rooster intricately weaves, include honoring ancestors, warding off mythical beasts, and the exchange of money in red envelopes, symbolizing luck and prosperity. The rooster’s imagery is used to fend off evil spirits, showcasing its role beyond the zodiac as a guardian. This duality of the rooster, as both a zodiac sign and a cultural emblem, highlights its enduring relevance in Chinese tradition and its celebrated place within the Lunar Year series.
Material and Minting Process
Crafting the Lunar Year of the Rooster 2017 UK Five Ounce coin involves a meticulous process that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern minting techniques. At the heart of its creation is the use of fine silver, specifically chosen for its purity and luster. The coin is struck in 999 fine silver, ensuring a Proof standard that is highly sought after by collectors for its exceptional quality and finish. Weighing in at a substantial 156.30 grams, the coin’s material composition and weight underscore its value and collectibility.
The Royal Mint, with its storied history spanning over 1,100 years, is the prestigious institution behind the minting of this exquisite coin. Known for supplying the UK’s coinage as well as currency for other nations, The Royal Mint’s expertise in producing fine collections of coins is unparalleled. This particular coin, part of the Shēngxiào Collection, benefits from The Royal Mint’s legacy of excellence and innovation in coin design and production.
In addition to its silver variant, the Lunar Year of the Rooster 2017 coin also features a gold edition, struck in 24 carat gold with a fineness of .9999, and weighing 31.21 grams. This diversity in material offers collectors the opportunity to own a piece of this limited series in both precious metals, each with its own unique allure. Importantly, all official UK gold coins minted by The Royal Mint, including this series, are exempt from capital gains tax, adding an extra layer of appeal for collectors and investors alike.
Design and Features
The design of the Lunar Year of the Rooster 2017 UK Five Ounce coin is a masterpiece of numismatic art, meticulously crafted to celebrate the Chinese lunar calendar. At the helm of this design is Wuon-Gean Ho, whose vision brought the Marsh Daisy rooster to life amidst ten Marsh Daisies, symbolizing perfection in Chinese culture. The coin depicts this particular breed, developed in Lancashire, standing still yet crowing, evoking the rooster’s role in announcing the dawn and marking territory. Its substantial diameter of 65.00mm ensures that it displays each detail, from the intricate feathers of the rooster to the delicate petals of the Marsh Daisies, with stunning clarity.
On the obverse, collectors will find the fifth definitive UK coin portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Jody Clark, signifying the coin’s authenticity and connection to the British monarchy. The reverse, meanwhile, showcases the detailed Marsh Daisy rooster amongst the ten Marsh Daisies, a design also by Wuon-Gean Ho. This side of the coin not only celebrates the Year of the Rooster but also continues the tradition of the Shēngxiào Collection by blending Chinese cultural symbols with British numismatic craftsmanship.
The coin is presented in Proof quality, emphasizing its collectibility and the fine skill involved in its creation. The mintage incorporates the lucky number eight, further enhancing its appeal to collectors and those with an affinity for Chinese culture. Each coin is typically housed in a protective plastic capsule, with the option for multiple coins to be stored in a tube, ensuring their preservation and longevity. With a face value of £100 and a nominal value of £500 for the larger diameter variant, this coin is not just a collectible but an investment in cultural heritage and numismatic art.
Collectibility and Value
The Lunar Year of the Rooster 2017 UK Five Ounce coin, initially priced at £420.00 ($535.52), quickly captured global collectors’ attention due to its artistic design, rarity, and investment potential. Limited to just 388 units as part of the prestigious Shēngxiào Collection, it became highly sought after. Combining British minting craftsmanship with centuries of Chinese tradition, it’s available in gold and silver variants, adding to its allure. The collection includes bars and coins, with prices inclusive of fully insured delivery, ensuring secure additions to collections.
The coin’s market value fluctuates, reflecting its collectibility and market dynamics. Originally sold for £420.00, its current value is £97.83, highlighting its investment trajectory. Its VAT-free and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) exempt status attracts collectors and investors, enhancing its appeal as a financial asset. The silver version has a mintage limit of 138,888 pieces, while the gold version is limited to 388 pieces, offering various levels of rarity and investment potential.
Hatton Garden Metals, an official distributor for The Royal Mint, provides secure storage options with the first 6 months free, emphasizing the coin’s value retention. The 2017 Lunar Year of the Rooster Tenth Ounce Gold Brilliant Uncirculated Coin comes in the original limited edition presentation box with a numbered certificate of authenticity, ensuring provenance and condition. Its pre-owned status may show signs of toning or milk spots, adding to its narrative and character, offering a unique opportunity for collectors to own a piece of history.
Conclusion
Throughout this exploration of the Lunar Year of the Rooster 2017 UK Five Ounce Silver Proof Coin, we have delved into its unique blend of British craftsmanship and Chinese cultural heritage. The coin’s intricate design and limited availability underscore its appeal as both a collectible and an investment, echoing the significance of the Rooster within the Chinese zodiac and lunar year traditions. Its creation, marked by meticulous craftsmanship and a careful selection of materials, further elevates the coin’s status in the realms of numismatic art and cross-cultural celebration.
As we reflect on the Lunar Year of the Rooster coin’s journey from concept to coveted collectible, it’s clear that its value transcends mere aesthetics or material worth. This coin represents a bridge between cultures, a testament to the enduring appeal of lunar symbols, and a modern tribute to ancient traditions. For collectors, the Rooster coin is not just an asset but a piece of cultural heritage, inviting continued appreciation and exploration. The interplay of tradition, art, and investment contained within this small but significant piece underscores the rich tapestry of global numismatics.
