I got an alert from my Hong Kong connection on a looming new Dragon coin issue. The coin is scheduled for general release in the last week of this month. To my delight, Ben got an inside track in acquiring some of these coins in advance.
This coin was first publicized at the Singapore International Coin Fair on March 21, 2025.
“Black birds tend to like shiny things.” ~ The Bloody Raven
This is not normal so this is sounding a bit sketchy doesn’t it. After all China sourced goods carry a heavy reputation for fake goods. Could these be fakes made to front run a new issue silver coin? Perhaps, but my professional relationship has built a trust with my Hong Kong dealer that has not failed me yet.
I ordered a pair of this 2025 issue. One for me, and one for my Dragon collecting American friend since these tariffs have shut down business between the USA and China. Canada of course sided with the US charging a 100% on Chinese made EVs while the CCP reciprocated on Canadian Canola imports as an example. Otherwise, business as usual.
The lack of commerce between China and the USA has one benefit for me is that postage is much faster over the Pacific corridor arriving at my door in under two weeks! Awesome!
Let’s take a closer look at the prize…
The 2025 Chinese Dragon
Front and center is the Dragon design itself; the iconic Dragon encompassing the history, mythology and culture of the Middle kingdom. If you have been following #sgs-community post for some time you would get a sense of it’s collecting popularity as a Topical theme.
This imposing mythological creature has been featured on many coins all over the world. We are privileged to a wide variety in the market, each mint having different interpretations of the Chinese Dragon, some are breath taking as the 2024 $50 Canada Year of the Dragon silver coin, and some not.
So how would the Shenzhen Mint in Guangdong make their own splash in the world wide investor and numismatic markets?
According to the LPM group’s description the reverse design’s inspiration comes from a blend of two historical and artistic treasure’s; the gilt dragons of the Tang Dynasty and the illustrations of Nine Dragon Wall of the Forbidden city, then expressed in a contemporary style that most of us would be familiar with.
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The obverse is none other than the ancient landmark of the Great Wall of China. The detail in the foreground foliage, ridges and valleys gives this unique marvel of human engineering a sense of depth and vastness. You just can’t miss the metaphorical representation to China’s mythological Dragon of the wall’s long undulating body, and scales of impenetrable stone.
I made a search of the source photograph to which particular section but cannot find it. I suspect that this scene to be a conglomeration of several elements based on a few key structures commonly associated with the original Great Wall of China.
The Bottom line
Exercising my due diligence I performed both the magnetic slide test shortly after receiving the package. These coins passed these simple yet effective tests further strengthening my trust of my Hong Kong connection.👍
Yet something nagged me at the back of my mind. That sketchy feeling I mentioned. Which let led me to check the ownership of the LPM Hong Kong group that retails this product on behalf of the Bank of China.
It’s as I suspected. LPM group ltd. was 100% bought out by A-Mark for $41.9 million in cash and A-Mark stock in February 2024. @silverd510 won’t like this. When I think A-Mark, I think monopoly in the making.
What a bummer.
Segwaying to the weaker aspects of this coin the only design detractor was the Reverse’s legend/lettering gets lost in the radial lines of the field compared to the Obverse. The text could be a bit bolder, more distinct.
Other than that, this is a pretty attractive, well-designed and balanced Dragon coin.
The last word.
Should the tariffs continue through the summer, these 2025 silver Chinese Dragons may be fairly scarce in our western coin markets. Even with a hefty 2 million mintage the Chinese Mint may likely turn to their own domestic market to recoup their costs.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) having already given notice for all Chinese private citizens to buy gold and silver to protect their savings. For the typical Chinese private citizen, considering their terrible stock market, real estate market, and the ban on crypto where else can one turn to but precious metals. Will that be another trap?
Stacking Precious metals and Crypto for those dark stormy days!
The #piratesunday tag is the scurvy scheme of Captain @stokjockey for #silvergoldstackers pirates to proudly showcase their shiny booty and plunder for all to see. Landlubbers arrrh… welcomed to participate and be a Pirate at heart so open yer treasure chests an’ show us what booty yea got!
References & Sources
LPM Group Limited, 2025 China Dragon Silver coin.
Numista China 2025 China Dragon. Silver coin.
A-Mark acquires LPM Group Ltd for $41.9MUSD in cash and stock.
Photos are my own shot with an ancient 2018 Samsung SM-A530W or otherwise indicated.
P. Image under Pixabay
W. Wiki Commons
☠️🎃 Page Dividers by thekittygirl. ❄️🌞
Cameo Raven Brooch from The Black Wardrobe.
The background for these photographs is a chart by Rigobert Bonne, a French Car-tographer in 1780, Published in “Atlas de Torurtes les Parties Connues du Globe Ter-restre, Dresse pour l’Histoire Philosphique & Politique des Establishments & du Commerce des Europeens dan les Deux Indes” by G.T. Raynad. Size 9 ½ x 16 5/8 inches.
Red Dragon background banner from Nyssacat’s backyard.
The 2024 Hive 0.999 Silver Round.
Physical precious metals bullion stacking is only a part of my personal overall financial strategy. Meanwhile, collecting numismatics are a different set of objectives and strategy. Unless you are a complete nutcase as I am please, do your research before deciding to buy into any bullion or numismatic products.