Royal Australian Mint Gold Lunar Coins
Gold Lunar Coins from the Royal Australian Mint
The Gold Lunar coins from the Royal Australian Mint are a series of gold coins that celebrate the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Each coin features an animal from the Chinese zodiac and is released in the corresponding year.
The Royal Australian Mint began releasing Gold Lunar coins in 1996 with the Year of the Rat. Since then, they have released a new gold coin each year for each animal of the lunar calendar cycle. These coins are highly sought after by collectors and investors alike due to their rarity and beautiful designs.
The Gold Lunar coins are made from 99.99% pure gold and are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 1/20 oz to 1 kg. The obverse side of the coin features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, while the reverse side features a design specific to the animal of the year.
In addition to the standard coins, the Royal Australian Mint also releases limited edition proof coins with special finishes and packaging. These coins are highly collectible and often appreciate in value over time.
Overall, the Gold Lunar coins from the Royal Australian Mint are a beautiful and valuable addition to any coin collection or investment portfolio.
Chinese Lunar Calendar
The Chinese Lunar calendar is a traditional calendar system used in many East Asian countries, including China, Vietnam, and Korea. It is based on the cycles of the moon and is used to determine important dates such as holidays, festivals, and auspicious times for various activities.
The Chinese Zodiac, also known as Sheng Xiao, is a 12-year cycle that assigns an animal to each year in the cycle. The 12 animals in the cycle are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal is associated with certain characteristics and traits, which are believed to influence the personality, fortune, and destiny of people born in that year.
Legend has it that the order of the 12 animals in the zodiac was determined by a race in which the animals competed to cross a river. The rat, who rode on the back of the ox, was the first to cross the river and thus became the first animal in the cycle, followed by the other animals in the order they finished the race.
In addition to the 12-year cycle, there is also a 60-year cycle in the Chinese calendar, which combines the 12 animal signs with the five elements of metal, water, wood, fire, and earth. Each combination of an animal sign and an element occurs once every 60 years.
The Chinese Lunar calendar and the Chinese Zodiac are an important part of Chinese culture and are still widely used today, both for practical purposes and for traditional celebrations and customs.
History of the Royal Australian Mint
The Royal Australian Mint was established in 1965, following a review of Australia's coinage by the government. Prior to this, Australia's coins were minted overseas, mainly in the UK, and the government felt that it was important for Australia to have its own mint to produce its coins.
The Mint was initially located in the Canberra suburb of Deakin, in a temporary building that had previously been used as a wartime hospital. The first coins produced by the Mint were the 1966 decimal coins, which replaced the pre-decimal currency that had been in use in Australia.
In 1980, the Mint moved to a purpose-built facility in the Canberra suburb of Mitchell, where it remains to this day. The new facility allowed the Mint to increase its production capacity and expand its range of products.
Today, the Royal Australian Mint produces a wide range of coins, including circulating coins, commemorative coins, and collector coins. It also produces medals, tokens, and other numismatic products. The Mint's coins and products are highly regarded for their quality, craftsmanship, and innovation, and are sought after by collectors and investors around the world.
In addition to its production activities, the Royal Australian Mint also has a museum and visitor center, which showcases the history of Australian coinage and the Mint's role in producing Australia's coins. The museum features interactive displays, exhibitions, and guided tours, and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
