Celebrating the Year of the Snake, this remarkable release consists of four legal tender 1oz silver proof pieces that fits together to form a circle with a square in the centre, reminiscent of the first currency of the Chinese empire.

These ‘ban liang’ coins were first cast during the Qin Dynasty around 200BCE.

The top coin depicts a yellow-coloured snake hanging from a tree, in its native forest and shrubland. Included in the background are the sloped tiers of an overhanging pagoda roof, a traditional part of Chinese architecture.

Accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity, the coin comes in a classic display case with a clear lid and an illustrated shipper.

The right-hand coin depicts a green-coloured snake curled amongst the lush leaves of a rainforest, with the pagoda and a rocky waterfall in the background. The bottom coin depicts a blue coloured snake with its distinctive striped markings. It sits coiled on a rocky ledge near a moon bridge.

The left-hand coin depicts a dramatic purple and red coloured snake. The snake sits entwined in a tree watching over the river bridge.

Accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity, the set is housed in a classic display case and superbly illustrated shipper.