Silver Lunar Year of the Ox

Lunar Year of the Ox coins are part of a wider series of Lunar or Zodiac-themed coins or rounds issued by various mints worldwide. Each year, these mints release a new coin corresponding to the Chinese zodiac animal of that year.

They typically feature an artistic depiction of an ox, along with the Chinese character for "ox," the year of issue, the purity, and weight of the silver.

The Royal Mint in the United Kingdom also issues Lunar coins, as do the Royal Canadian Mint and Perth Mint. Each mint might have different Year of the Ox coin designs, but the concept remains the same.

Silver Lunar rounds, like other silver bullion, are often bought by investors and collectors. Their value comes from the precious metal content and their collectability, especially for those trying to collect the entire Lunar coins.

Do keep in mind that while coins are legal tender, their face value is typically much less than their value as silver or collectible coins. They are not intended to be used in everyday transactions.

What is the Difference Between a Coin, Bar, Note, Proof and Round?

When you enter the world of numismatics, the study or collection of currency, and precious metals, you will come across terms like coins, bars, notes, proofs, and rounds. Understanding the differences between these terms can help you make more informed decisions whether you are investing, collecting, or both. Year of the Ox items are available as coins or rounds.

Coin

A coin is a piece of hard material, traditionally metal, usually in the shape of a disc, and used as a medium of exchange or legal tender. They are standardized in weight and produced in large quantities at a mint, often a government-run facility. Coins usually have a legal tender value and often have a nominal value inscribed on them, though their metal content and collector value can be much higher.

Bar

In this context, a bar usually refers to a precious metal bar. These are produced by various mints but are not used as legal tender. Their value is based purely on their metal content and the current market price of that metal. Bars are a popular way to invest in precious metals because they often have lower premiums over the metal's spot price compared to coins.

Note

A note, also known as a banknote, is a type of negotiable promissory note made by a bank or other licensed authority, payable to the bearer on demand. They are the country's central bank's most widely accepted form of paper currency. For example, in the US, we have the Federal Reserve Note (e.g., the $1, $5, $10, etc. bills).

Proof

Proof refers to the method of manufacture and not the coin's condition. Proof coins are the highest quality rounds made by the mint. They are struck with specially polished dies multiple times to create a mirror-like finish. The designs on the coin are often frosted to create a contrast with the background. Proof coins are usually made for collectors and often come in protective cases.

Round

Rounds are similar to coins but do not carry any face value or legal tender status. They are often minted by private mints, not government mints. Rounds can be made of various metals, but silver rounds are particularly common. Like bars, they are often bought by investors interested in the metal value.

Each currency or investment vehicle serves a different purpose and can have different advantages or disadvantages depending on your goals. For example, coins and notes are great for collectors interested in numismatic value, bars and rounds for investors interested in metal content, and proofs for those who appreciate the highest quality minting processes.