The Perth Mint Silver Lunar Coins

About The Perth Mint Lunar Series

The Perth Mint Lunar Silver Series is a collection of silver coins produced by the Perth Mint in Western Australia. The series is based on the Chinese zodiac lunar calendar, which assigns an animal each year in a 12-year cycle. The Perth Mint started releasing these lunar-themed coins in 1999 and has been producing them annually ever since.

The design of each coin in the series features the respective zodiac animal for that year. The coins are minted in high-quality .9999 fine silver, making them popular among investors and collectors. The Perth Mint is known for its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, which is evident in the intricate designs of the Lunar Silver Series coins.

Each year, the mint releases several variations of the Lunar Silver coins, including different sizes and finishes. The most common size is the 1-ounce coin, but smaller fractional sizes are available, such as 1/2 ounce, 1/4 ounce, and 1/10 ounce. Additionally, the Perth Mint produces larger-sized coins, such as 2 ounces, 5 ounces, 10 ounces, and even 1 kilogram, catering to various preferences and budgets.

The Lunar Silver Series has gained a significant following and has become highly sought after by collectors worldwide. Some of the most popular coins in the series include the Year of the Dragon, Year of the Snake, Year of the Rabbit, and Year of the Tiger, although all the animals in the zodiac cycle have their unique appeal.

In addition to their numismatic value, Lunar Silver coins also serve as legal tender in Australia, with each coin featuring a face value corresponding to its weight and denomination. However, their intrinsic silver value often far exceeds their face value.

The Perth Mint's Lunar Silver Series is recognized for its quality, artistry, and limited mintage, contributing to its allure and potential for future appreciation. The series has become a staple in the world of precious metal bullion coins, offering investors and collectors an opportunity to acquire beautiful pieces of art while investing in silver at the same time.

While Perth Mint Silver Lunar Coins offer unique designs based on the Chinese Zodiac, exploring the full range of silver coins available allows for a broader selection of themes and designs to suit individual preferences. Consider diversifying your collection with coins from various mints, encompassing historical, cultural, and commemorative themes for a well-rounded portfolio. Evaluating different options ensures you find the perfect pieces to enhance your collection's diversity and appeal.

Importance Of The Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese zodiac, Shengxiao, is an important cultural aspect of Chinese astrology and folklore. It is a 12-year cycle in which each year is associated with a specific animal sign. The animals in the zodiac are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep (or Goat), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

The Chinese zodiac holds significant cultural and symbolic value for several reasons:

• Astrological Guidance: The Chinese zodiac is believed to offer insights into a person's character traits and compatibility with others and even predict their fortune and destiny. Each animal sign is associated with specific personality traits and attributes. For example, individuals born in the Year of the Rat are believed to be resourceful and intelligent, while those born in the Year of the Dragon are associated with power and strength.
• Timekeeping System: The Chinese zodiac provides a unique way of marking time. Rather than using a linear calendar, the Chinese calendar follows a cyclical pattern, with each year assigned to an animal. This cyclical nature is reflected in the belief that every 12 years, a person will experience a complete cycle of life events and characteristics associated with their animal sign.
• Cultural Significance: The Chinese zodiac has deep cultural roots woven into various aspects of Chinese traditions, art, and literature. It is often depicted in paintings, sculptures, and other artistic forms. The zodiac signs are also featured prominently during Chinese New Year celebrations, where each year is associated with its corresponding animal, bringing forth festive symbolism and cultural rituals.
• Compatibility and Relationships: The Chinese zodiac is often consulted to determine individual compatibility and potential relationships. Compatibility charts assess the compatibility between animal signs, offering insights into romantic, business, and interpersonal relationships.
• Business and Economic Implications: The Chinese zodiac's significance extends beyond personal and cultural realms. It has economic implications as well. The animal sign associated with a particular year is believed to influence market trends, investment decisions, and even birth rates. For instance, the Year of the Dragon is considered highly auspicious, and birth rates in Chinese culture tend to increase during these years.

Overall, the Chinese zodiac holds great importance in Chinese culture as a tool for self-reflection, guiding personal and professional relationships, and providing a unique perspective on time and destiny. It continues to be celebrated and respected by people of Chinese descent worldwide, and its symbolism and traditions are deeply ingrained in Chinese culture.

About the Perth Mint

The Perth Mint has been active since 1899. From its inception through 1931, the Perth Mint struck more than 100 million Gold Sovereign coins for the Commonwealth. During World War II, the British Commonwealth tasked the Perth Mint with the production of copper coins and received hundreds of millions of Australian cents and half cents. Today, bullion coins from the Perth Mint like the Silver Kangaroo are some of the most favored silver coins for investors.