Australia Lunar Series I Perth Mint

1) Recognition – Name – Country of Origin
The Lunar Series I is the first and original Lunar coin series issued by the Perth Mint of Australia. It was released from 1996 to 2007 and laid the foundation for the later Lunar Series II and III. The coins feature the twelve animals of the Chinese lunar calendar and are highly popular with both investors and collectors.

2) Coin Description
The reverse of the Lunar Series I features Queen Elizabeth II. The obverse shows changing designs based on the animals of the Chinese zodiac. The series includes the following years: 1996: Year of the Rat, 1997: Year of the Ox, 1998: Year of the Tiger, 1999: Year of the Rabbit, 2000: Year of the Dragon, 2001: Year of the Snake, 2002: Year of the Horse, 2003: Year of the Goat, 2004: Year of the Monkey, 2005: Year of the Rooster, 2006: Year of the Dog, 2007: Year of the Pig.

3) Face Value – Legal Tender – Value
The Lunar gold coins are legal tender in Australia under the Currency Act of 1965. The face value of these coins varies depending on size and weight (see table below).

4) Other Units – Denominations
Additional denominations below or above one ounce were issued as follows:
 

5) Special Features – Minting Years – History – Mintage
The Lunar Series I was minted from 1996 to 2007. It was followed by Lunar Series II in 2008. Particularly sought after are early dates as well as popular motifs such as Dragon, Tiger, Horse and Rat. The 1 oz gold issues had a maximum mintage of 30,000 coins. Other denominations were produced in varying quantities depending on year and demand. In addition to standard bullion issues, proof editions and collector sets were also released, many of which trade at significant premiums depending on rarity, condition and completeness.