2024 1 oz 35th Anniversary Dragon & Phoenix – Pearl of Wisdom Window Antiqued .999 Silver Medal

The 2024 1 oz Dragon & Phoenix Pearl of Wisdom Window Silver Medal is a masterful tribute to two powerful milestones: the Year of the Dragon and the 35th anniversary of the original 1989 China Dragon & Phoenix coin. Struck by China’s esteemed New Century Mint, this captivating antiqued medal honors the deep cultural symbolism of the dragon and phoenix—two mythical creatures revered for centuries as representations of cosmic balance, prosperity and harmony.

Crafted from 1 troy ounce of highly pure .999 silver, the medal showcases a meticulously detailed design enhanced by a hand-applied antique finish. But its most remarkable feature is the rotating planchet mechanism, which reveals and obscures a gold-plated “Pearl of Wisdom” through a window on the reverse. This interactive element highlights the pinnacle of modern minting technology and makes the 2024 release one of the most innovative collectibles of the year.

With a worldwide edition limited to just 2,024 medals, this release combines low mintage scarcity with cultural artistry and advanced engineering—an extraordinary piece for collectors seeking premium international medals with exceptional presentation quality.

Coin Highlights

• Special 35th anniversary tribute to the 1989 Dragon & Phoenix coin
• Struck by China’s New Century Mint
• Contains 1 oz of .999 fine silver
• Features a rotating planchet with window revealing a gold-plated Pearl of Wisdom
• Brilliant Uncirculated with hand-applied antique finish
• Obverse: Temple of Heaven
• Reverse: Dragon & phoenix with window showcasing the pearl
• Diameter: 50 mm
• Extremely limited mintage of 2,024 medals worldwide
• Includes original mint packaging and Certificate of Authenticity

A Symbolic Pair: Dragon & Phoenix

In Chinese mythology, the dragon and phoenix are viewed as the ultimate pairing of yin and yang. The dragon symbolizes strength, power and good fortune—traditionally associated with the emperor. The phoenix represents grace, virtue and future prosperity—long connected to the empress. When depicted together, they embody unity, balance, love and mutual success.

The dragon and phoenix are also linked through their pursuit of the flaming pearl, a spiritual emblem of enlightenment, wisdom and divine energy. This 2024 medal beautifully preserves that theme, presenting the creatures encircling the sacred pearl in preparation for its revelation through the coin’s unique rotating window feature.

The release could not be more timely, coinciding with the 2024 Year of the Dragon, a year celebrated for its promise of renewal, ambition and auspicious new beginnings.

Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the 1989 Dragon & Phoenix Coin

This release also commemorates 35 years since the debut of the legendary 1989 China Dragon & Phoenix coin, a cornerstone of modern Chinese numismatics. Widely regarded as one of the most iconic cultural coin designs ever produced, the original issue established the artistic foundation for modern Dragon & Phoenix motifs that remain popular with collectors around the world.

The 2024 anniversary medal pays homage to that numismatic heritage while integrating technologies and finishes unavailable during the 1989 release—bridging tradition and innovation into one contemporary masterpiece.

A Technological Showpiece: Rotating Planchet with Window Feature

One of the most captivating elements of this medal is its rotating planchet mechanism. As the medal is turned, an actual gold-plated “pearl of wisdom” becomes visible through a window on the reverse. Rotating the piece obscures and reveals the pearl, symbolizing the pursuit of enlightenment and the discovery of hidden truth.

This sophisticated engineering is rarely seen in modern medals and elevates the 2024 Pearl of Wisdom release far beyond traditional silver collectibles. The movement of the internal element creates a dynamic, interactive experience—making it a standout display piece.

Antiqued BU Finish—Hand-Treated Craftsmanship

Each medal is issued in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition with a hand-applied antique finish, adding depth, contrast and texture that accentuate the intricate details of the dragon, phoenix and cloud motifs. Because the antiquing is applied manually, each medal carries subtle variations in tone, ensuring that no two pieces are exactly alike.

The antique finish enhances traditional styling, making the medal feel both historic and contemporary.

Design Details

The reverse portrays a dragon and phoenix suspended in midair, surrounded by swirling auspicious clouds as they share the mystical Pearl of Wisdom. The central cut-out window reveals the gold-plated pearl as the medal rotates. The combination of sculptural relief, negative space and antiquing creates an artful sense of movement and mythic energy.

The obverse features a detailed rendering of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, one of China’s most recognizable cultural landmarks and a symbol of balance between heaven and earth. This iconic architectural motif is a traditional element in many historic Chinese numismatic pieces, further grounding the 2024 release in longstanding heritage.