2023 The Night Before Christmas 2oz Silver Antiqued Coloured Coin
The tradition of hanging Christmas stockings is thought to originate in the tale of a family’s fall into poverty. Although the couple worried deeply about the future of their three daughters, they were too proud to accept charity.
Concerned by these events, Saint Nicholas climbed onto the roof of their house one night and secretly dropped gold coins down the chimney. They fell into the sisters’ stockings, which had been left by the fireside to dry.
The family was overjoyed on finding the coins in the morning, and to this day children hang up stockings on Christmas Eve hoping to find them filled with gifts when they awake. With a 24-carat gold-plated stocking at its centre, this beautiful 2oz silver antiqued piece is a wonderful celebration of a much-loved Christmas tradition.
Struck by The Perth Mint from 2oz of 99.99% pure silver, the coin is issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu. The Perth Mint will release just 3,000 of The Night Before Christmas 2023 2oz Silver Antiqued Coloured Coin.
DESIGN
Exuding warmth and festive joy, the coin portrays a traditional hearth on Christmas Eve. With a tree, wreath and garlands decked in coloured baubles and ribbons, the design includes a stocking, snow globes, gift-wrapped boxes, sleepy pets, and refreshments for Santa on his busiest night of the year. Also included in the design is The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark. Encased in the coin’s center is a 24-carat gold-plated Christmas stocking.
The obverse bears the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II supplemented by the dates of her reign ‘1952-2022’. The coin’s weight, purity, monetary denomination, and year-date encircle the image of a Christmas wreath.
TECHNICAL NOTE
Elements of this coin have been individually ‘antiqued’ to give them a unique finish conveying the surface abrasions of an ancient artefact. As a result of this treatment, the appearance of each coin in the mintage may vary.
PRESENTATION
The coin is housed in a classic display case with a clear lid. Packaged in a Christmas gift box with a bow, each coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
Specifications:
- Silver Content (Troy oz): 2
- Monetary Denomination (TVD): 2
- Fineness (% purity): 99.99
- Minimum Gross Weight (g): 62.213
- Maximum Diameter (mm): 45.60
- Maximum Thickness (mm): 6.50
- Maximum Mintage: 3,000
- Designer: Jennifer McKenna