Perth Mint Lunar Series III Gold Coins
Perth Mint Gold Lunar Series at SD Bullion
Once a secluded country, China is now one of the biggest economies in the world. Its culture is becoming more known and popular each year, especially with the growing number of Chinese immigrants in western countries.
One of the most popular aspects of Chinese culture is their Lunar Calendar and the Chinese Zodiac, which represent a twelve-year cycle. The whole world watches as the Chinese celebrate their new year, usually on dates that do not coincide with the Gregorian Calendar’s new year.
Because of that increasing popularity, many companies from the precious metals industry began to incorporate and celebrate Chinese history and culture in their products. The Perth Mint from Australia was the first to do so, releasing the first Lunar Series silver and gold coins in 1996. The collection was a massive success and prompted the release of the Lunar Series II in 2008 and the Lunar Series III in 2020.
The Chinese Zodiac Signs
Sheng Xiao, or the zodiac signs, represent a twelve-year cycle in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Every year is represented by one of the twelve animals, which, according to folklore, dictates the fortune and many personality traits of those born in that year.
There are many myths surrounding the origin of the Chinese zodiac, but one that stands out involves the Jade Emperor, one of the representations of the first god, according to Chinese culture. It is said that the Jade Emperor decided to create this twelve-year cycle and that each year would be represented by the first 12 animals who got to him in a sort of animal race.
The rat was the first animal to get to the Emperor. Therefore, it represents the first year in the cycle. The pig was the last and, therefore, ends the cycle.
Here are the animals of the Chinese Zodiac and their latest and future occurrences:
Zodiac Animals |
Chinese Name and Character |
Sign Occurrences since the 1960s |
Rat |
鼠 (shǔ) |
1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032 |
Ox |
牛 (niú) |
1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033 |
Tiger |
虎 (hǔ) |
1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034 |
Rabbit |
兔 (tù) |
1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035 |
Dragon |
龙 (lóng) |
1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036 |
Snake |
蛇 (shé) |
1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037 |
Horse |
马 (mǎ) |
1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038 |
Sheep |
羊 (yáng) |
1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039 |
Monkey |
猴 (hóu) |
1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040 |
Rooster |
鸡 (jī) |
1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041 |
Dog |
狗 (gǒu) |
1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042 |
Pig |
猪 (zhū) |
1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043 |
The Gold Lunar Series
Each year, the Perth Mint releases a new coin with the design of that year’s animal. The Gold Lunar Series has a varied catalog to attract investors and collectors alike. The series includes the following weights:
- 2 oz;
- 1 oz;
- 1/2 oz;
- 1/4 oz;
- 1/10 oz;
- 1/20 oz.
It is also possible to find a 1 oz proof version for those who enjoy the added touch in the design and attention to detail.
About the Perth Mint
The Perth Mint was the third British Royal Mint established in Australia in 1899 by the British Empire during their colonial rule over the country. The Sydney Mint and the Melbourn Mint, which preceded it, both already shut down operations. The Perth Mint, however, carried on as part of the West Australian state government.
Even if the Perth Mint not having a direct affiliation with the Australian Royal Mint, the federally-owned facility, every coin it produced enjoys legal tender status due to the Coinage Act of 1965.
In addition to the current Lunar Series III, the Perth Mint is also responsible for the Production of the Gold Kangaroo and Silver Kangaroo, some of the most beloved bullion coins in the industry for their marvelous designs.
Purchase Perth Mint Gold Lunar Series from SD Bullion
SD Bullion is your place to find the complete collection of Gold Lunar Series coins. Our customer support is ready to assist you if you have any questions at 1(800)294-8732 or through our live web-chat feature during our business hours.