2012 Dragons of Legend - Chinese Dragon 1oz Silver Proof Coin

In Chinese mythology, the dragon (lóng) is one of the most important and benevolent creatures in all of Chinese culture. Unlike the fearsome, fire-breathing dragons of Western legend, the Chinese dragon is a symbol of power, wisdom, prosperity, rain, and good fortune. It is often depicted as a long, serpent-like creature with the horns of a deer, scales of a fish, claws of an eagle, and the whiskers of a catfish—an embodiment of many creatures, showing its supreme status in nature.

According to legend, the earliest dragons were linked to ancient tribal totems, later merging into a single symbolic creature associated with emperors, who were called “sons of the dragon.” It was believed dragons controlled rivers, seas, and weather, and festivals such as the Dragon Boat Festival honor their importance. Even today, the dragon remains an enduring cultural icon—seen in art, celebrations, zodiac astrology, and the very identity of the Chinese people, who often proudly refer to themselves as “descendants of the dragon.”