In the geography of ancient China, large water bodies were found in each of the four cardinal directions. The four seas thus became a metaphor for the boundaries of China, with the belief that each of the seas was governed by Dragon Kings – the most powerful creatures in the world. As divine rulers of the waters and the Five Elements, the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas manifested in two forms – their human persona and dragon deity form. They were worshipped to bring peace and safety to all seas, lakes, and water bodies, and believed to rule all weather on Earth. Since then, many have continued to invoke and seek favor of the Dragon Kings for a smooth and peaceful life.

Ao Run (敖闰) also known as Ao Ji (敖吉) is the Dragon King of the West. He rules over the cardinal direction of the West and is the master of the metal element. Within the set of Dragon King of the Four Seas, this piece featuring Ao Run stands out for its unique tone-on-tone style. Through the use of clever design, the head and upper body of Ao Run is distinctively set on the top half of the collectible and contrasts with the sea beneath him. Dark skies are cast behind him as his agile form twists and rises. Fine details run through its body, with each spike and both horns precisely notched onto the surface of this artifact. The obverse showcases the legal tender, the Coat of Arms du Tchad.

Through the use of a new minting technique called “Bi-Metal Reverse”, it achieves a remarkable weight and 80mm diameter size – making it double the size of a regular 2 oz collectible. By combining 2 oz of 999 pure silver as a base with a top layer of 11.5 oz of copper, the result is a super ultra-high relief that brings out every detail to maximum effect, then finished with antiqued silver to conclude.

SPECIFICATIONS

Mintage: 500 pcs
Material: 999 Ag & 999 Cu
Weight: 2 oz Ag & 11.5 oz Cu
Finish: Antiqued High Relief with Translucent Green Enamel
Diameter: 80 mm
Country: Republique du Tchad
Year of Issue: 2021
Face Value: 10000 Francs CFA