Year of the Snake 2013 coin from Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint has issued details of its commemorative coin for Year of the Snake 2013. The 1/4 oz coin marks the Year of the Snake in the Chinese New Year and is crafted in fine silver with a three-fold combination of different finishes. The design (relief or raised area) includes both brilliant and mirrored surfaces and the background (field) are striated using laser etching that results in a matte finish.

The design shows a snake coiled on the branches of a tree, flanked by the Chinese symbols for the Year of the Snake. The reverse features the words 'Canada', '2013', 'fine silver' 'argent pur' and is in a $20 denomination.

According to Chinese tradition, people born during the Year of the Snake (which also fell in 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989 and 2001, have a hypnotic beauty and try never to give away their inner thoughts.

To order the coin, visit the Royal Canadian Mint website.

For all the latest coin and stamp issues and news, see each issue of Stamp & Coin Mart magazine.