The 2024 Lunar Dragon at Half an Ounce
The 2024 Australian 1/2 oz Silver Lunar Dragon is half a troy ounce of 99.99% fine silver from The Perth Mint, and the smallest size in the mint’s 2024 Dragon silver bullion range. It carries the same Ing Ing Jong design as the larger coins on a 32.6 mm face.
Water, Waves, and a Flaming Pearl
The dragon faces the viewer from the top of the coin with its mane flaring upward. Water cascades from its mouth, and its scaled body spreads toward the rim on both sides. To the left, just above the tail, floats a flaming pearl, which The Perth Mint describes as a symbol of wisdom. Stylised waves roll along the bottom edge. The Chinese character for dragon sits below the head, with DRAGON 2024 beneath it.
P125 and the Dates 1952-2022
Two details place this coin in its year. To the right of the character is a P125 mintmark, which marks The Perth Mint’s 125th anniversary. On the obverse, Jody Clark’s memorial portrait of Queen Elizabeth II carries the dates of her reign, 1952-2022, alongside 1/2oz, 9999 Ag, and 50 CENTS.
The reverse also hides a micro-laser engraved letter, a security feature that shows up only under a magnifying glass.
No Mintage Cap at This Size
Unlike the 1 oz version, which was capped at 300,000, the half ounce had no maximum mintage. Production of this size was scheduled to close at the end of 2024, and the mint now lists it as no longer available. That makes it a finished issue, but not a limited one.
What the Smaller Size Costs You
A half ounce costs more per ounce than a full ounce does. The mint spends nearly as much striking a small coin as a large one, and that cost gets spread across less metal. Every fractional coin carries this higher premium per ounce. If silver per dollar is the goal, the 2024 1 oz Silver Lunar Dragon gives you more of it than this coin does. The half ounce is for buyers who want the Dragon at a lower price per coin, or who are collecting this size across the Lunar years.
2024 1/2 oz Silver Lunar Dragon Specifications
This coin holds 0.5 troy ounces of 99.99% fine silver, measures 32.6 mm across and 2.9 mm thick, and has a reeded edge. It is Australian legal tender with a face value of 50 cents, and The Perth Mint presents it in a protective acrylic capsule. Full current specs are on the Specifications tab above.
2024 1/2 oz Silver Lunar Dragon FAQ
Is the design the same as the larger Dragon coins?
Yes. The Perth Mint used one Ing Ing Jong reverse across the silver bullion sizes, so the half ounce shows the same dragon at a smaller diameter.
Was the 1/2 oz Dragon limited?
No. The Perth Mint listed its maximum mintage as unlimited, with production scheduled to close at the end of 2024.
What does P125 mean?
It marks The Perth Mint’s 125th anniversary. You will find it to the right of the Chinese character on the reverse.
Why does a 2024 coin show Queen Elizabeth II?
The Perth Mint used Jody Clark’s memorial obverse, which adds the dates of her reign, 1952-2022.
Why does it cost more per ounce than the 1 oz?
The cost of striking a coin stays nearly the same as the size falls, so a half ounce carries a higher premium for each ounce of silver.
Building a Lunar set? Browse our Australian Lunar Series.
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Donald S (verified owner) –
I adore these things, and also the Lunar fire 🔥 horses too!
Brandon W (verified owner) –
Really nice little silver rounds, each come in its own capsule. A+