Gold Lunar Series

Chinese Zodiac Gold Coins and Bars

These gold coins and bars celebrate the Chinese Lunar Year and the associated Zodiac animals. They are minted around the world, mints include the Perth Mint, The Royal Mint, Monnaie de Paris, and The Royal Canadian Mint. Some coins are produced in reputable mints on behalf of other nations, such as Mongolia, the Cook Islands, and Niue.

The Lunar Series

The Lunar Series includes all twelve of the Zodiac animals. While all are artistically created and certainly collectible, some are more popular than others. For example, the Dragon and the Tiger are quite favored years. If you are interested in collecting the Dragon, the years 2000, 2012, and 2024 are readily available. The Tiger coin has the following years available: 1998, 2010, and 2022, but it is a bit more challenging to acquire in some versions compared to other years.

If you want to gift or collect for yourself, you may be interested in collecting by birth year. Three versions of all animals have been minted, but there are various versions, such as those minted in Australia or The Royal Mint. Different sizes and designs are also available, such as those with inlays of other metals or mother of pearl. For example, for The Year of the Rabbit, we offer over 20 gold options.

Types of Coins Available

You have many choices when selecting from the gold coin collection. You can choose from BU, Proof, Proof MS-70, and MS-70. Some of the bars are available with assay cards. For the most attractive coins, consider Proof versions, which are minted to produce intense detail and mirror-like backgrounds. If you are looking for verified perfection, consider MS-70 graded coins. Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) is also a good option if you are looking for near perfection, as these coins have not been circulated.

Sizes Available

For the coins, you can choose from an affordable 1/25 oz or up to a coin as large as 10 ounces. Proof versions range from ¼ oz to a full ounce. Zodiac bars can be purchased in 1 oz or five-gram sizes.

The Perth Mint

You may have noticed that many Chinese Zodiac coins are minted in Australia. The Perth Mint, established in 1899, is one of Australia's oldest and most prestigious mints. It is renowned for its high-quality precious metal products.

One of the most notable series from the Perth Mint is its Chinese Zodiac or Lunar series of coins. The series features beautifully crafted designs of the zodiac animal for that year, often with intricate details and artistic elements that appeal to collectors. It is one of the most prolific mints for this type of coin; we currently offer over 80 options.

This mint is especially popular in its region of the world. The mint sold 19.22 million coins minted 2022-2023.

New Chinese Zodiac Coin Collectors

If you are starting your collection, you may wonder if you can purchase past years to complete a 12-coin set. You can easily find recent years, such as 2023 Rabbits and 2022 Tigers. Older years may be a bit more difficult to collect, but it is possible. For example, we do offer 1999 Australian Rabbits and 2011 Snakes. With a bit of effort and patience, you can obtain a complete collection.

Gold Coin with Inlays

Coins with inlays are low mintage coins that are beautifully stylized with additional elements such as mother of pearl or platinum. However, it is important to note that the mints designed these coins to protect the value of the gold. If it is described as a 5 oz coin, it contains 5 ounces of gold, and the additional elements are not included in the stated weight.

Why are Some Lunar Coins Priced Higher Than Others?

The pricing of Lunar coins, like those from the Perth Mint's Chinese Zodiac series, can vary significantly for several reasons. Besides normal market fluctuations, as we see in the bullion market, these coins vary for other reasons, including rarity, eye appeal, collector demand, the year of issue, condition, and artistry.

Lunar Coins: Who Collects Them?

Both collectors and investors purchase Lunar Coins. However, their appeal leans towards collectors as these coins are limited mintage and are often worth more than their bullion value. However, due to the possibility of the coins being worth more than their bullion value and potential rarity, they may also appeal to investors looking to gain a profit.