From the Four Corners of China, The Guardians Keep Watch
For more than 6,000 years, the mythic Guardians have stood watch over China. The White Tiger of the West, the Black Warrior/Tortoise of the North, the Azure Dragon of the East and the Vermilion Bird of the South represent not only the four directions of the compass, but also the four seasons. Now, in an exclusive series, each of the Guardians is being struck in China as a special Vault Protector Proof. This second release unleashes the Azure Dragon of the East!

The Azure Dragon of the East
In Chinese culture, the Dragon rules supreme among all mythical creatures. It is the guardian of the heavens as well as a symbol of luck, good fortune, power and divinity. It is for this reason that emperors have used the dragon as a symbol of their own divine power. For example, Emperor Ming of the Wei Kingdom in the Three Kingdoms Period referred to himself as the Azure Dragon.

What is a Vault Protector?
In East Asia, bronze “cash” coins were a centerpiece of local commerce. These classic round coins featured the iconic square hole in the center to allow specific amounts to be strung together and easily counted and transported.

On very special occasions, Chinese mints would cast larger, thicker, heavier coins that also bore the square hole. These coins were not made for circulation, but for ornamentation. At the treasury, these coins would be hung with red silk string through their holes, placed over the altar in the treasury’s spirit hall, where offerings could be made to gods of fortune, prosperity and wealth.

These “Vault Protector” coins were believed to protect their owners against disaster and ensure the favor of the gods. For this reason, those with the financial means would often secure one of these coins and leave it in their vaults to guard the rest of their fortune.

Struck in 99.9% Pure Gold, Silver and Platinum
The Azure Dragon of the East Vault Protector Proof is available struck in one ounce of 99.9% pure gold, one or five ounces of 99.9% fine silver, or one ounce of 99.9% pure platinum.

Powerful Song Fei Design
All four Azure Dragon of the East Vault Protector Proofs share the same reverse design crafted by famed Chinese coin designer Song Fei. Working with China’s Shenzhen Mint, Song Fei has gained international attention for his designs of cultural significance and beauty.

The reverse depicts the Azure Dragon of the East curling his way forward around the square “cash” hole in the proof’s center. At the bottom of the design is a compass and the words “Azure Dragon of the East-Spring.”

Struck in Shanghai, China, all four dramatic Vault Protectors are minted in Proof condition, with frosty designs and mirrored fields. The shared obverse displays the Great Wall of China, as well as each proof’s weight and fineness.

Certified Flawless and First Day of Issue (FDI) by NGC
Available in a number of enticing sets, these proofs are available certified and graded by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) as flawless Proof 70 Ultra Cameo (PF70 UC) condition. In addition, NGC has bestowed upon this coin the special First Day of Issue (FDI) designation, certifying that it was secured from the mint on the very first day of the mintage's release.

What’s more, each NGC label will bear the hand-written autograph of designer Song Fei!

Exclusive Limited Release
This is a worldwide exclusive release. Only a limited number of 2020 Azure Dragon of the East Vault Protector Proofs have been minted. Of this mintage, even fewer have been certified by NGC as flawless Proof-70 Ultra Cameo as well as First Day of Issue. Don’t miss out on the next generation of Vault Protector Proofs!

2020 China Gold/Silver/Platinum Azure Dragon of the East Vault Protector 4pc. Proof Set