This year's stunning Gilded Edition from the Australian Lunar Series II depicts the wise and lucky snake, the sixth animal in the Chinese lunar calendar.

The birth dates for people ruled by this ancient Chinese sign include 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 and 2013.  Those born under the influence of this sign are said to be wise, intelligent, graceful, independent and charming.

The coin's reverse depicts a snake curled around a tree branch, gilded in 24-carat gold.  Gold is said to symbolise wealth and happiness.  The Chinese character for 'snake' and the inscription 'Year of the Snake' also appear in the design with The Perth Mint's traditional 'P' mintmark.