What is the Lunar III Series?
The Lunar III Series is the third edition of the Perth Mint's popular Lunar Series, which began in 2020. This series follows the successful Lunar I and Lunar II series and will continue annually with new designs celebrating the Chinese zodiac signs. Each year, a different animal from the Chinese zodiac is featured, starting with the rat in 2020. The series includes both gold and silver coins and is renowned for its high quality and detailed design.
The 2024 Dragon coin is the fifth issue in the Lunar III series and is dedicated to the dragon, one of the most significant and powerful symbols in Chinese culture. The dragon represents strength, good fortune and prosperity and plays a central role in many myths and legends.
Obverse
The obverse of the Lunar III 2024 Dragon coin features the late portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Jody Clark. This portrait includes the dates of her reign, ‘1952-2022’, and the inscription ‘ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA’, along with the coin's face value in Australian dollars (AUD).
Reverse
The reverse of the coin features an artistically designed Chinese dragon. The design also includes the Chinese character for ‘dragon’, the inscription ‘DRAGON 2024’ and a special ‘P125’ mint mark celebrating the Perth Mint's 125th anniversary. Additional security features include a micro-engraved mark visible under a magnifying glass, confirming the coin's authenticity.
Testing the coin
In this example, the coin is tested based on four characteristics: its diameter, thickness, weight and electrical conductivity. These four measurements together provide a comprehensive assessment of the coin. Watch the video! (YouTube)
Dimensions & weight measurements
The coin weighs one troy ounce, which corresponds to 31.103 g. In addition, it should have a diameter of 40.6 mm and a maximum thickness of 3.5 mm. These values are measured in the video using a precision balance and a digital caliper, whereby we measure a thickness of 2.85 mm. On the internet, you can find thickness specifications ranging from 3.21 mm (ESG Scheideanstalt) to 3.5 mm (Perth Mint). This example clearly shows that the dimensions of a coin do not always correspond exactly to the target value. These values are used to determine the approximate density.
Alternative method for determining density
As an alternative to these measurements, another method can be used to determine the exact density, namely density determination according to Archimedes' principle. This is very easy to implement with the DensityScreenScale. For pure silver (999.9/1000), a density of 10.49 g/cm³ is expected. However, since the density of silver can be easily imitated using molybdenum and lead-tin alloys, it is also worth measuring the electrical conductivity of the coin. Conductivity measurement >The 1oz Lunar III Dragon silver coin is made of the purest silver (999.9/1000). The GoldScreenSensor is particularly well suited for accurately measuring the conductivity of this coin, as it enables precise analysis. The electrical conductivity of pure silver (999.9) is approximately 62.0 MS/m. In summary, it can be said that the authenticity of the coin was confirmed by combining its dimensions, weight and electrical conductivity.
Used products
Goldanalytix GoldScreenSensor – the product features at a glance: Gold test device for quick and simple authenticity tests of gold and silver Suited for coins and ingots from about 1/4 ounce up to one ounce / 50g (also in capsules or blisters) Simplyfied measurement mode supports by alloy assignment Immediately identifies also the frequent and very dangerous counterfeits made of tungsten or tungsten alloys (this material has the same density as gold) Suited for mobile applications - fits in almost every pocket! You want to be sure that all that glitters really is gold (or silver) and not be victim of one of the numerous precious metal forgers? If the answer is yes, the GoldScreenSensor by Goldanalytix is the correct precious metal tester for you. This electronic gold tester for the pervading authenticity test of precious metals gives you safety when trading precious objects. The GoldScreenSensor establishes the genuineness of precious metal coins or ingots within seconds - even through caspules and blisters. The test is simple and straightforward: 1. Place object on the sensor field; 2. Wait for the result (gold and silver alloys, platinum, palladium or typical materials of counterfeits are displayed); The application fields are numerous: for precious metal traders, for bancs, for private sellers, second-hand markets and all other occasions of the precious metal trade. The advantages of the "GoldScreenSensor gold test device" are among others: + quick and pervading authenticity test (goes through gold layers that often are plated on the outside and discovers the counterfeit core) + avoidance of high financial losses caused by buying false gold or silver + avoidance of legal consequences (those who sell counterfeit precious metals have to prove that they haven't been put them into circulation) Perfect for buying and selling precious metals! If you are not sure about some objects or the result are not as expected, you can find out the nature of these objects by using the conductivity charts. The penetration depths depend on the metals' electrical conductivity - up to 650 µm on each side in case of .900/.916 gold - so in total 1.3 mm, about 250 µm for pure silver and 350 µm for pure gold. Thanks to the analysis of numerous counterfeits, we know that the GoldScreenSensor is suited for objects up to 50 grams, for which the thickness is the limitin factor. The GoldScreenSensor can test coins from 1/4 ounce on and bars from 10 grams on (The measuring coil has to be fully covered). For smaller and/or unevenly shaped objects (nuggets, scrap metal, dental gold and so on), we recommend our "GoldScreenPen". Scope of delivery: GoldScreenSensor Calibration piece made of copper Charger Detailed instruction manual Practical padded case Quick quide on the device's reverse side Instruction manual: GoldScreenSensorImportant Information on the GoldScreenSensor Manufacturer/Responsible person for the EU: MARAWE GmbH & Co. KGAn der Irler Höhe 3BD-93055 Regensburg, Germany+49 941 37847200info@marawe.de
Goldanalytix Digital Caliper – the product features at a glance: Must-have equipement to verify coins and bars Easy to use and precise measurements Helps to detect many simple counterfeits Well readable LCD-display Measuring range from 0 to 150 mm The Digital Caliper by Goldanalytix is a important measuring instrument to find out the true diameter, thickness or other measurements of precious metal coins and bars. Some fakes - e.g. the ones made from copper - can be detected easily when using the Digital Caliper in combination with the Precision Balance. This will enable you to estimate the density of coins or cuboid objects like bars. For precious metal professionals and beginners the Digital Caliper and the Precision Balance are the must have equipement when buying and selling coins and bars. The Digital Caliper has a high accuracy, the very important taring function and a well readable LCD display which makes it perfect for measuring precious metals. With its measuring range from 0 to 150 mm it is suitable for all commong coins and bars. Check the thickness, width and length or diameter of the object and compare the values to the official measurements given by the manufacturers. Scope of delivery: Digital Caliper (without CR2032 coin cell) Coins in the product pictures are not included! Manufacturer/Responsible person for the EU: Willy Kunzer GmbHRömerstr. 17D-85661 Forstinning, Germany+4981212200info@kunzer.de
Goldanalytix Precision Balance – the product features at a glance: Highly precise - ideal for precious metals (0.01 g) Capacity up to 300 g LCD display with background lighting Measurement in different units available Tare function included The Precision Balance by Goldanalytix is a important measuring instrument to find out the true weight of precious metal coins and bars. Some fakes - e.g. the ones made from copper - can be detected easily when using the Precision Balance in combination with the Digital Caliper. This will enable you to estimate the density of coins or cuboid objects like bars. For precious metal professionals and beginners the Precision Balance and the Digital Caliper are must-have equipement when buying and selling coins and bars. The Precision Balance has a high accuracy, the taring function and a well readable LCD display which makes it perfect for measuring precious metals. With its measuring range from 0 to 300 g it is suitable for all commong coins and bars. Check the weight, thickness, width and length or diameter of the object and compare the values to the official measurements given by the manufacturers. Scope of delivery: Precision Balance (incl. 2x AAA batteries) Coins in the product pictures are not included! Manufacturer/Responsible person for the EU: G&G GmbHNovesiastr. 31D-41564 Kaarst, Germany+4921311335605info@gandg.de