The 2026 Year of the Horse coin from The Perth Mint is the seventh release in the 12-year zodiac cycle Lunar Series III program.
The coins are struck in .9999 fine gold and .9999 fine silver, combining exceptional purity with meaningful symbolism from the Chinese Zodiac.
Available in bullion and proof finishes — including gilded, colorized, and opal editions — the 2026 Year of the Horse coin release offers collectors a refined blend of artistry, tradition, and precious metal excellence.
Key Takeaways
-
Official 2026 Year of the Horse coin release
-
Seventh strike in Lunar Series III
-
Produced by The Perth Mint
-
Struck in .9999 fine gold and .9999 fine silver
-
Offered in bullion, proof, gilded, colorized, and opal finishes
-
Includes special sets and bullion bars
The Lunar Series III
The Lunar Series III celebrates the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Each year features a new reverse design honoring the corresponding zodiac sign, making every release unique.
Because of its limited annual strikes and global recognition, the Lunar Series III plays an important role in the Perth Mint's production.
The Perth Mint
Founded in 1899, The Perth Mint is Australia’s official bullion mint and one of the most respected precious metals refiners in the world. It is internationally recognized for producing high-quality gold and silver coins and bars.
Perth Mint Lunar coins are especially popular among collectors due to their annual design updates, strong craftsmanship, and consistent .9999 fine metal purity. The 2026 Year of the Horse coin continues this tradition of excellence.
Horse and Its Symbolism
Across cultures, the horse symbolizes strength, freedom, energy, and determination. It is often associated with ambition, endurance, and an independent spirit.
In Chinese tradition, the horse also represents speed, perseverance, and success. These powerful meanings lend deeper significance to the series, making it especially attractive to collectors who value both symbolism and the purity of precious metals.
The Year of the Horse in the Chinese Lunar Calendar
The Chinese Zodiac follows a 12-year cycle, with each year linked to a specific animal. The Year of the Horse returns in 2026, following previous appearances in 2014, 2002, and 1990.
Individuals born under the Horse sign are often described as energetic, adventurous, and determined. As the seventh zodiac animal, the Horse represents vitality and forward momentum — qualities beautifully captured in the 2026 design.
The 2026 Design
The 2026 Year of the Horse coin blends motion, symbolism, and refined engraving. Each coin maintains the recognizable Lunar Series III layout while introducing a fresh artistic interpretation of the zodiac animal.
The Reverse
The reverse showcases a powerful galloping horse in full stride. The design conveys energy, freedom, and determination through its dynamic composition.
Also included are the Chinese character for “Horse,” the inscription “HORSE,” and the year “2026.” The Perth Mint’s traditional “P” mint mark appears on the left, confirming its origin and authenticity.
The Obverse
The obverse features the left-profile effigy of King Charles III, designed by Dan Thorne. Surrounding inscriptions read “CHARLES III” and “AUSTRALIA,” along with the coin’s weight, fineness, metal content, and face value.
Technical Specifications of the 2026 Year of the Horse Coins
Below are the official specifications for the Year of the Horse coins produced by The Perth Mint.
Gold Year of the Horse Coins (.9999 Fine Gold)
|
Size |
Face Value (AUD) |
Finish |
|
1 oz |
100 |
Proof / Bullion |
|
1/2 oz |
50 |
Proof / Bullion |
|
1/4 oz |
25 |
Proof / Bullion |
|
1/10 oz |
15 |
Proof / Bullion |
Silver Year of the Horse Coins (.9999 Fine Silver)
|
Size |
Face Value (AUD) |
Finish Options |
|
1 oz |
1 |
Bullion, Proof, Gilded Proof, Colorized Proof, Opal Proof |
|
1/2 oz |
0.50 |
Bullion |
|
2 oz |
2 |
Proof |
Special 2026 Year of the Horse Coin Editions
In addition to standard bullion and proof options, the 2026 Year of the Horse coin release includes premium collector editions with enhanced finishes.
1 oz Year of the Horse Opal Proof Silver Coin
This 1 oz silver release incorporates genuine Australian opal set into the reverse. Designed by Aleysha Howarth, the opal’s brilliant blue and iridescent tones form a striking image of a horse within the stone.
The combination of proof finish and natural opal creates one of the most visually distinctive coins available.
1 oz Year of the Horse Gilded Proof Silver Coin
The gilded silver coin features selective 24-karat gold gilding applied to the horse design. The gold accents contrast beautifully against the .9999 fine silver proof surface, highlighting the detail of the galloping figure.
1 oz Year of the Horse Colorized Proof Silver Coin
The colorized design with detailed color application brings greater realism and visual depth while maintaining proof-level craftsmanship.
1 oz Year of the Horse Quadrant – Colorized Proof Silver 4-Coin Set
This unique four-coin set forms a complete circular display when assembled. Each 1 oz silver segment is struck in .9999 fine silver with a proof finish and vibrant colorization.
Each quadrant depicts a different horse — including a rearing white Friesian, a running chestnut, a Palomino mare with foal, and a dark bay horse — creating a dramatic multi-scene presentation for Lunar Series III collectors.
1 oz 3-Coin Silver Year of the Horse Trio
This set includes 1/2 oz, 1 oz, and 2 oz silver Year of the Horse coins, allowing collectors to enjoy the design across multiple sizes.
Additional 2026 Year of the Horse Products
Beyond traditional coin formats, collectors can also acquire:
-
100 Gram Year of the Horse Silver Bar: A .9999 fine silver bar featuring the 2026 Year of the Horse design in a sleek rectangular format.
-
1/100 oz Year of the Horse Gold Bar: A fractional .9999 fine gold bar offering an accessible way to own a gold Year of the Horse release.
Buy the 2026 Year of the Horse Coin at SD Bullion
The 2026 Year of the Horse coin from The Perth Mint combines powerful zodiac symbolism with .9999 fine precious metal purity.
Buy 2026 Year of the Horse coins today at SD Bullion — your trusted source for authentic Perth Mint’s limited-edition Lunar Series III products.
