Lunar Coin Series

What Is the Difference Between Lunar Series 2 Coins & Lunar Series 3 Coins?

Made from fine gold, silver, and platinum, combined with intricate craftsmanship, these Australian lunar collector coins explore the ancient, mythical tradition and folklore of these great animals of China. Starting in 1996 with Lunar Series I, Australia’s Perth Mint has produced beautiful commemorative Chinese Zodiac coins. Due to the first series’ success, we are now in the third series.

From 2008-2019, Series II had a successful run where Series III began to take off right after in 2020 and will finish in 2031 with the Year of the Pig. Following much of the same sizing, the only major update from one series to the next has been the design of the bullion coins.

Chinese Silver Lunar Coins

Silver Lunar Coins are struck from mints all over the world, but what can be more authentic than Chinese Silver Lunar Coins? These silver lunar coins have been struck by the China Mint with impeccable quality in .999 fine silver since 1981.

Having been in operation for more than half a century, the China Mint (the People’s Bank of China) has emerged as one of the world’s most popular sources of gold and silver coins. Its products feature anti-counterfeiting features with which collectors should familiarize themselves before buying from the secondary market.

As far as the Lunar coin series is concerned, the China Mint has both scalloped and fan series to complement their lunar rounds. The 1st silver scallop series ran from 1993-2004, and the 2nd scallop series picked up the following year and ran from 2005-2016. The 1st and 2nd silver fan series overlapped these years; the first ran from 2000-2011 and the second is still on-going and will run from 2012-2024.

Australian Silver Lunar Coins

Australia’s silver lunar coins are among the few world lunar series to feature the official portrait of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Struck from 99.9% pure silver, these Australian legal tender coins are available in a range of sizes – and have become coveted and collected worldwide.

Series I ran from 1996-2008, Series II from 2008-2020, and Series III began in 2020 and will finish in 2031. Every series represents every animal found on the Chinese Zodiac in beautiful renditions that vary slightly from series to series.

Great Britain Silver Lunar Coins

Known as the Shengxiào Collection, the Great Britain Silver Lunar Coins series was first released in 2014. While the strike, finish, and mintage of these coins vary, both are struck in 1 oz. of .999 fine silver and share the same design as many other Lunar series. The Royal Mint offers their Lunar coins in a proof option for collectors, and a bullion version sold to authorized distributors only.

Chinese Gold Lunar Coins

Being one of the first mints that debuted a Lunar Coin series, the Chinese Gold Lunar Coins are some of the most sought-after worldwide. The Chinese Lunar Coin series is the longest running of the Lunar Coin Series and boasts unique shapes and design. The first Chinese Gold Lunar Coin was an 8g gold coin honoring the Rooster. After that release in 1981, the China Mint continued the series every year with new designs, finishes, and shapes.

Year of the Rat Coin (2020)

To the surprise of many, a variety of civilizations are rather fond of rats, and in fact, the Chinese view the animal as a symbol of both intelligence and fertility. It is said that people fortunate enough to have been born in the year of the rat possess qualities of creativity, honesty, generosity, and ambition. additionally, rats are admired in China for their perceived link between the worlds of nature and spirit that has given them the uncanny ability to predict unforeseen events such as natural disasters, making this creature a surprisingly epic addition to the Chinese Zodiac’s 12-year lunar calendar.

Available in both gold and silver versions, the 2020 Year of the Rat coins are minted from a variety of mints to include the Perth Mint, the Royal Canadian Mint, and The Royal Mint, and for those born in the Year of the Rat, versions of these coins can be an excellent gift to give.

Year of the Ox Coin (2021)

The Ox is an embodiment of persistence, stubbornness, honesty, and quick-tempered qualities. Throughout the centuries, this animal has been viewed as a domesticated animal, known for its toils within the fields. The Ox represents the ability to endure anything as they seldom fear hardship or difficulty. As a symbol of spring and fertility, the ox is revered among one of the strongest animals within China’s lunar calendar.

Available in both gold and silver versions, the 2021 Year of the Ox coins are minted from a variety of mints throughout the world, and for people born in the Year of the Ox, these coins can be a fantastic gift.

Year of the Tiger Coin (2022)

People who are born in the Year of the Tiger are said to possess traits such as bravery, power, strength, competitiveness, and self-confidence. They are known for their charm, charisma, and are very popular with others. Additionally, those born in this year work enthusiastically, confidently expressing themselves in a dominant manner. All of this simply means that people born under this sign are thought to be natural leaders.

The 2022 Gold and Silver bullion coins of the Year of the Tiger commemorate all of the honorable traits the Tiger possesses and is amongst one of the most popular coins within each mint, including Australia’s Perth Mint and The Royal Mint within the United Kingdom, and can serve as the perfect gift for those donning this Chinese Zodiac sign.