5$ Zhao Yun – Warrior God

Ancient Chinese warrior Zhao Yun was a commander during the late Han dynasty and the early period of the Three Kingdoms division of China—one of the most turbulent and bloody periods in history. Initially serving the northern warlord Gongsun Zan, Zhao Yun shifted his allegiance to Liu Bei, who founded the state of Shu Han in 221. Accompanying his lord on numerous military campaigns in the struggle for dominance, Zhao Yun reportedly died in 229 at the age of 61.

Physically imposing, Zhao Yun was mythologized in the 14th-century manuscript "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," where he is portrayed as an exemplary warrior, possessing masterful combat skills, supreme courage, and unwavering loyalty. He is particularly remembered for his actions during the Battle of Changban in 208, when Liu Bei was forced to abandon his position—and his family—under the onslaught of the rival warlord Cao Cao. In reality, Zhao Yun risked everything to rescue his lord's infant son, Liu Shan, and for his bravery was promoted to the rank of General of the Standard. 

The reverse of the coin depicts the Chinese military general Zhao Yun on the back of a warhorse during the Battle of Changban. Gazing at enemy soldiers while shielding Prince Liu Shan in the folds of his tunic, Zhao Yun wields an ornate spear (qiang), painted in blue and gold. The design also features the inscription 赵云, the Chinese characters for Zhao Yun.

The obverse of the coin features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, along with information on weight, purity, denomination, and the 2021 year of issue.

No more than 388 pieces of the 5-ounce silver, colored, antiqued Zhao Yun 2021 coin will be issued.