2022 China 1-oz Gold Black Unicorn Proof NGC PF70UC First Day of Issue w/Black Core

China's Exquisite Black Unicorn Appears—But For Only A Limited Time!

Much like the mystical creature it depicted, the China Mint's famous Unicorn series is as hard to spot nowadays with few of these elegant beasts ever popping their heads up for collectors to get a glimpse at, much less purchase. The coins were—and still are—among the most popular and coveted pieces of numismatic art ever to burst on the scene. Struck for just four years from 1994 to 1997, they've have been out of sight for more than a quarter of a century. To pay tribute to the Unicorn Series' 25th Anniversary, the China Mint has finally relented to collector demand and has released a new series of Unicorn medals, this time adding the even more reclusive Black Unicorn to the fold. Unfortunately, mintage numbers are so small that few collectors outside China will ever get the opportunity to own one of these exquisite Black Unicorns!

Mythological Creatures That Appeal To Both Western And Eastern Cultures

As most collectors know, the Unicorn is a mythological creature with strong appeal in both Western and Eastern cultures—though depictions are starkly different. In the West, Unicorns are often depicted as majestic white horses with long flowing manes & tails, and a single spiraled horn in the middle of their forehead. The Eastern Unicorn, known as Qilin, also has a single horn on its forehead, but that's were similarities end. The Qilin has been described as being a multi-colored animal with the body of a deer, the tail of an ox, and the scales of a dragon. These creatures are seldom seen, and according to Chinese mythology, their rare appearances often coincide with the imminent birth or death of a sage or illustrious ruler. In Both the Western and Eastern versions, Black Unicorns are considered to be the most powerful of all unicorns. They have dark, foreboding elements in Western culture, and are divine, all-powerful beings in Eastern folklore.

Stunning High-Relief Imagery

On this medal struck in a full ounce of highly pure 99.9% gold, both an Eastern Black Unicorn and a Western White Unicorn appear to be circling each other in much the same way as the famous Yin and Yang symbol that represents opposing forces working together to create harmony. The designs are further augmented by stunning high-relief imagery that seems to leap from the surface of the medal—imagery that was made possible thanks to the painstaking process of carving the dramatic, intricate image on a plaster cast by esteemed China designer Zhu Xihua, an artist renowned for his animal artwork.

Flawless Proofs From Among The First Issued

Struck at China's Shanghai Mint, each piece comes in gorgeous Proof condition, meaning it was expertly crafted by the mint from hand-selected planchets, polished dies and multiple strikes to produce beautifully frosted details rising over mirror-like fields. In fact, each medal available here has been graded by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) as being in flawless Proof-70 Ultra Cameo (PF70UC) condition, a distinction that means these perfectly-graded proofs have ZERO imperfections — showing all features and fields exactly as the engraver and mint intended.

In addition, NGC has furthered pedigreed these One-ounce Gold Black Unicorn Medals with a First Day of Issue (FDI) certification, a designation that means they were received by NGC or an NGC-approved depository by the release date or on the business day within 24 hours of the official release date. Each will come sonically sealed in an acrylic holder with a unique black display core. Plus, each One-Ounce Gold Black Unicorn will come beautifully housed in a deluxe presentation box along with an individually numbered mint Certificate of Authenticity and a colorful Unicorn storybook on the Unicorn.

Order Now—Just 188 Gold Black Unicorn Proofs Authorized For Worldwide Release

Like we said earlier, few of these pieces will ever escape China and into the hands of collectors in the west. In fact, the authorized maximum edition limit for the 2022 China One-Ounce Gold Black Unicorn Proof has been set at just 188 pieces for the entire world.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS:

• 25th ANNIVERSARY OF CHINA UNICORN SERIES - This medal was released in 2022 to mark the 25th Anniversary of China's last Unicorn coin in 1997. This medal features an Eastern Black Unicorn and a Western White Unicorn in a Yin and Yang design. The obverse shows the Hall of Prayer for Abundant Harvests located in Beijing's Temple of Heaven and the year date.
• STRUCK IN HIGHLY PURE GOLD - Each Black Unicorn Medal was struck in a full ounce of highly pure 99.9% gold and measures 28 mm in diameter.
• PERFECT PROOF CONDITION - Your 2022 China One-Ounce Gold Black Unicorn Medal has been graded by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) in perfect Proof-70 Ultra Cameo (PF70UC) condition.
• KEY FIRST DAY OF ISSUE CERTIFICATION - NGC has furthered pedigreed this One-Ounce Gold Black Unicorn Medal with a First Day of Issue (FDI) certification, independent authentication that your medal was released by the mint during the premier day of the series' issue. It will come in an acrylic holder with a black display core.
• VERY LOW LIMITED EDITION - The maximum worldwide limited edition for the 2022 China One-Ounce Gold Black Unicorn Proof has been set at just 188.

Celebrate the return of the Unicorn with this 2022 China One-Ounce Gold Black Unicorn Proof. Available for only a limited time, order yours now before they disappear!