Buy gold Lunar coins
At The Silver Mountain, you can purchase gold coins, including the popular Lunar coins. The Lunar Series of gold coins is an annual series issued by the Perth Mint in Australia. This series is based on the Chinese zodiac, with each year dedicated to a specific animal from the zodiac. Here is an overview of the different phases of the Lunar Series:
- Lunar I Series (1996-2007): This series began in 1996 with the Year of the Rat and ended in 2007 with the Year of the Pig. The coins in this series were known for their detail and craftsmanship, featuring a different zodiac sign each year.
- Lunar II Series (2008-2019): The second series started in 2008 with the Year of the Rat and continued through 2019, ending with the Year of the Pig. This series built on the popularity of the first series, with updated designs and improved production techniques.
- Lunar III Series (2020-2031): The Lunar III Series began in 2020 with the release of the Gold Lunar "Year of the Mouse" coin. This third series continues the success of the Lunar I and Lunar II series, following the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac with a new animal each year. The Lunar III Series will continue until 2031, with a coin issued annually featuring the animal of that year.
Animals from the Lunar series
Each animal in the Chinese zodiac is associated with specific traits and characteristics that, according to Chinese astrology, influence the personality and future of individuals born in that year. This system plays a significant role in Chinese culture and is often used for making predictions and planning events.
The Animals in the Lunar Series are:
Rat (Shu)
Years: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Traits: Intelligent, charming, and resourceful. People born in the Year of the Rat are often seen as perceptive and skilled problem-solvers.
Ox (Chou)
Years: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Traits: Hardworking, reliable, and patient. Individuals born in the Year of the Ox are typically viewed as steadfast and responsible.
Tiger (Yin)
Years: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Traits: Brave, energetic, and adventurous. People born in the Year of the Tiger are often perceived as powerful and confident.
Rabbit (Yin)
Years: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Traits: Gentle, sensitive, and elegant. Individuals born in the Year of the Rabbit are frequently considered kind and diplomatic.
Dragon (Chen)
Years: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Traits: Powerful, charismatic, and creative. People born in the Year of the Dragon are often seen as strong and ambitious.
Snake (Si)
Years: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Traits: Change, wisdom, and mysterious. Individuals born in the Year of the Snake are often viewed as intelligent and intuitive.
Horse (Wu)
Years: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Traits: Energetic, independent, and enthusiastic. People born in the Year of the Horse are typically seen as freedom-loving and enterprising.
Goat (Wei)
Years: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Traits: Creative, compassionate, and calm. Individuals born in the Year of the Goat are often considered friendly and caring.
Monkey (Shen)
Years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Traits: Smart, playful, and resourceful. People born in the Year of the Monkey are often seen as clever and adventurous thinkers.
Rooster (You)
Years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Traits: Honest, confident, and precise. Individuals born in the Year of the Rooster are frequently considered direct and reliable.
Dog (Xu)
Years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Traits: Loyal, honest, and dependable. People born in the Year of the Dog are often seen as faithful and just.
Pig (Hai)
Years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Traits: Honest, friendly, and hospitable. Individuals born in the Year of the Pig are frequently considered truthful and kind-hearted.
The Perth Mint series
The Lunar Series by The Perth Mint is a popular range of gold and silver coins based on the Chinese zodiac, depicting a new animal from the 12-year cycle each year. This series is globally cherished by collectors and investors for its high quality, unique designs, limited mintage, and the cultural significance each animal represents.
Features of the Lunar series
- Unique designs: Each gold Lunar coin features a beautiful and detailed design depicting the zodiac sign of that year. Whether you choose from the Lunar I, II, or III series, you'll always find a coin that is aesthetically pleasing and carries a piece of cultural significance.
- Limited editions: The Perth Mint mints only a limited number of gold Lunar coins each year, adding to their rarity and collectible value. This makes them an attractive investment for those seeking unique and valuable coins.
- High quality: Gold Lunar coins are struck from 99.99% pure gold and are known for their excellent finish and durability. These high-quality standards ensure that the coins are not only valuable but also beautiful and prestigious.
- Cultural significance: The Lunar Series is inspired by Chinese astrology and zodiac signs. Each coin carries cultural and symbolic meaning, enhancing its value and appeal. The connection to the zodiac signs, such as Rat, Ox, Tiger, etc., adds depth and significance, especially for individuals who identify with the characteristics of their birth year’s animal.
Lunar Year of the Snake
In the Chinese zodiac, the Snake is the sixth animal, and the Year of the Snake recurs every twelve years. The next Year of the Snake will be in 2025. Each Snake year is marked by specific traits that influence the personalities and destinies of individuals born during this time.
People born in the Year of the Snake are often characterized by:
- Intelligence: Snakes are considered perceptive and thoughtful, with a natural ability to analyze and solve problems.
- Wisdom: The Snake symbolizes profound knowledge and intuitive understanding, making those born in this year often seen as wise.
- Mystery: With an aura of intrigue and refinement, individuals born in the Year of the Snake possess a unique charm and mystique.
Gold Lunar coins in various weights and quality
Lunar gold coins are issued in different weights, from 1 troy ounce, 1/2 troy ounce, 1/4 troy ounce and 1/10 troy ounce. These coins from the same year often all have the same design.
In addition to these gold Lunar coins, several mints, such as The Perth Mint, also issue gold Lunar coins in proof quality. These coins are minted in the highest possible quality and often contain the same design as the other Lunar coins from the same year. Proof quality coins are very popular with gold coin collectors.
Frequently asked questions about gold Lunar coins
What zodiac signs are depicted on gold Lunar coins?
Golden Lunar coins depict a different animal from the Chinese zodiac every year. The cycle repeats itself every 12 years, so in total there are 12 different designs.
The animals from the Chinese animal calendar are: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Each animal in the zodiac - according to the calendar - has its own unique characteristics and associations. It is said that people born in the year of a particular animal share some of that animal's characteristics.
What different Lunar gold coins are there?
There are many different Lunar coins on the market. Each year other gold and silver Lunar coins appear in addition to the coins from The Perth Mint's very popular Lunar series. These mostly collectible coins are available in many colors and sizes and are sometimes struck in proof quality. At The Silver Mountain, we offer a wide range of Lunar coins.
What is the difference between The Perth Mint's various Lunar series?
The Perth Mint began issuing Lunar coins back in 1996. The first Lunar coin series ran until 2007. Due to the popularity is of these coins, The Perth Mint decided to repeat the series. Accordingly, the Lunar II series ran from 2008 to 2019. The current series, the Lunar III series began in 2020 and will run through 2031. Each series has its own unique designs and features making each series truly a whole.
Can I sell gold Lunar coins again?
You can sell gold Lunar coins to us through our sister company Inkoop Edelmetaal. You will receive a fixed bid percentage for the gold Lunar coins you sell. The year the coin was minted makes no difference to what price we offer for your gold coins.