Overview of 2013 Australia Gold Lunar Snake (Series II)

The 2013 2 oz Australia Gold Lunar Snake is a Brilliant Uncirculated coin struck by The Perth Mint in .9999 fine gold. Carrying legal tender status under Australian law, it is part of the highly regarded Series II Lunar program, which distinguishes itself from the earlier series through refined designs and elevated collector appeal. At two troy ounces, this coin occupies an assertive position in the Lunar lineup, appealing to both dedicated series collectors and those seeking a substantial gold coin with strong visual presence. We carry this coin as part of our broader offering of Perth Mint sovereign issues, which are among the most consistently sought-after gold coins in the international bullion market.

History and Background

The Perth Mint launched its Gold Lunar Series II in 2008, structured around the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. The Snake is the sixth release in the series, issued in 2013, completing the first half of the zodiac cycle. Each annual release features a newly commissioned design specific to that year's animal, making the series a coherent collectible program rather than a simple bullion offering. The Perth Mint itself was established in 1899 as a branch of the British Royal Mint and is one of the oldest and most respected minting institutions in the world. It operates under the Gold Corporation, a statutory authority of the Western Australian Government, and is globally recognized for its precision striking, quality assurance standards, and diverse product range. The Lunar series has been one of its most commercially successful programs, drawing sustained collector and buyer interest across multiple continents.

Design and Aesthetics

The reverse of the 2013 Gold Lunar Snake depicts a highly detailed Eastern-style snake rendered against a textured background, with symbolic elements that reflect the Chinese zodiac tradition. The design incorporates the Chinese character for "snake," the year of issue, and the coin's weight and purity specifications, all integrated cleanly into the composition without visual clutter. The Perth Mint's design team consistently brings careful attention to depth and surface contrast in the Lunar series, and the Snake release is no exception. The obverse carries the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which was the standard portrait used on Australian legal tender coinage at the time of issue. It includes the denomination of 200 Australian dollars, reinforcing the coin's official legal tender status. The combination of a refined reverse design and the authoritative obverse portrait gives the coin a balanced visual identity that holds up well whether displayed or stored.

Authenticity and Product Integrity

The Perth Mint produces this coin to .9999 fine gold, placing it among the highest purity standards available for gold coinage anywhere in the world. Each coin is struck under the Mint's rigorous quality control protocols, and the specifications stamped directly into the coin serve as a permanent record of its metal content. The Perth Mint's international reputation provides a foundation of credibility that supports authentication across global trading markets. We verify every product for authenticity, weight, and purity before it enters our inventory. As authorized dealers for both PCGS and NGC, we maintain the industry relationships and standards necessary to handle coins of this caliber accurately and responsibly. Collectors looking for third-party graded examples of this issue can also find those through our platform, as certified versions of Perth Mint Lunar coins do appear in the market.

Condition and Packaging

Brilliant Uncirculated refers to coins that have been struck for collector quality and show no signs of wear or circulation. In practice, BU coins are handled and packaged carefully from the point of striking, and the surfaces retain their original mint luster. For a coin of this size and collector significance, condition matters both aesthetically and in terms of how the coin is received and stored. Individual coins typically ship in a protective plastic flip. The standard Perth Mint packaging for the 2 oz Gold Lunar coin includes a presentation box with a certificate of authenticity, and when purchased directly from The Perth Mint's official channel, that packaging accompanies the coin. For coins sourced through secondary wholesale channels, original mint packaging may or may not be present depending on how the coin was previously handled, and we note packaging details clearly where relevant. If you are purchasing this coin with original box and certificate expectations, confirm availability with our team before completing your order.

Pricing and Market Factors

Pricing for the 2013 2 oz Gold Lunar Snake is driven by two primary components: the current spot price of gold and the premium associated with this specific coin. The spot price component reflects real-time gold market conditions, while the premium accounts for The Perth Mint's production costs, the coin's collector status, and ongoing supply and demand dynamics in the secondary market. Because this is a historical issue rather than a currently produced coin, secondary market premiums can shift meaningfully based on collector demand and available supply. Lunar series coins, particularly in larger fractional weights, tend to carry premiums above standard bullion coins of the same weight due to their limited annual mintage and sustained collector interest. The Snake is among the earlier animals in Series II to reach a point where demand from set completers puts consistent upward pressure on pricing. Our pricing reflects live market conditions and is structured to give buyers a clear and honest picture of what they are paying relative to spot.

Selling and Liquidity

The 2013 Gold Lunar Snake trades in an active secondary market supported by collector demand both domestically and internationally. The global reach of the Chinese zodiac theme, combined with The Perth Mint's reputation and the coin's high purity and recognizable specifications, contributes to consistent resale recognition. Two-ounce gold coins in general attract a more specialized buyer pool than one-ounce issues, which is worth factoring into liquidity expectations, but the Lunar series has enough of a collector base to support active trading. We operate a two-way market that allows customers to both buy and sell within the same platform using competitive wholesale pricing. Liquidity for a specific coin like this one can be evaluated using the bid/ask spread displayed on the product page, which reflects current wholesale market conditions. Understanding that spread before purchasing is one of the more practical ways to assess the true cost of ownership for any bullion or numismatic coin.

Why Buy the 2013 2 oz Gold Lunar Snake?

The appeal of this coin sits at the intersection of bullion substance and collector relevance. Two troy ounces of .9999 fine gold gives it meaningful metal weight, while the Lunar series context adds a dimension of collectibility that a generic bullion coin of the same weight does not carry. For collectors building a complete Series II set, the Snake is a required piece and its historical mintage is fixed, meaning new supply cannot enter the market. The Perth Mint's production quality is consistently high, and this coin reflects the same attention to design and strike precision that defines the Lunar program as a whole. For buyers who want a gold coin with a clear identity, a defined place in a collectible series, and a recognized issuing authority, this is a practical and compelling option.

Why Buy from Bullion Standard?

We approach every transaction with a commitment to transparency that starts with pricing and extends through fulfillment and post-purchase support. Our pricing is structured to reflect real-time market conditions rather than fixed retail markups, and we display bid/ask spreads on product pages so buyers can evaluate the complete transaction before committing. This level of pricing clarity is central to how we operate. Our A Better Business Bureau rating, membership in both the American Numismatic Association and the National Coin and Bullion Association, and our authorized dealer relationships with PCGS and NGC reflect a consistent standard of professionalism and accountability. We source products from reputable mints, refineries, and established distributors, and every item is verified before it reaches our customers. Whether you are adding to a Lunar collection, building out a gold position, or exploring what the secondary market offers, we are structured to support that process with straightforward information and reliable service.

Get Near-Spot Pricing with Bullion Standard Pro

Bullion Standard Pro gives members direct access to live, executable wholesale bid and ask pricing, which is particularly relevant for a coin like the 2013 Gold Lunar Snake where secondary market premiums can shift based on collector demand and available supply. Rather than relying on static retail pricing, Pro members can see how this coin is actually priced and traded at the wholesale level in real time. The platform also includes historical premium data and spread analysis tools, which can help buyers understand whether current premiums on a specific Lunar issue are elevated or compressed relative to historical norms. Portfolio valuation through Pro uses live wholesale bid pricing rather than estimated retail values, providing a more accurate picture of what your holdings would realistically return if liquidated today. For collectors holding multiple Lunar coins or a diversified gold position, that distinction matters. The combination of executable pricing, product research tools, and market intelligence tools makes Pro a meaningful resource for anyone managing precious metals with a longer-term perspective.

Flexible and Secure Payment Options

We support a wide range of payment methods to make the buying and selling process as straightforward as possible. Major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are accepted, along with PayPal, bank-connected payments through Plaid, wire transfer, paper check, and cryptocurrency payments through BitPay. Each method is processed through a secure transaction environment designed to protect your information at every step. The flexibility in payment options reflects our broader commitment to accessibility and convenience. Whether you prefer a traditional bank transfer for a larger purchase or the speed of a credit card transaction, we structure the experience around your preferences without adding unnecessary friction to the process.