Australia Lunar Serie III Perth Mint

1) Popularity - Name - Country of Origin
The Lunar Series III is the consistent continuation of the successful Lunar Series I and II. It is issued by the Australian Perth Mint and enjoys great popularity as a bullion coin. Collectors also delight in the new intricate designs of the Chinese zodiac animals every year.

2) Description of the Coin
On the reverse side (revers) of the Lunar Series III, Queen Elizabeth II is always depicted. Since Series II, the weight and fineness, as well as the minting year, have been indicated on the side of the queen. On the obverse side (avers), ever-changing motifs of animals representing the Chinese zodiac are depicted, such as the Year of the Mouse, Year of the Ox, Year of the Tiger, Year of the Rabbit, Year of the Dragon, Year of the Snake, Year of the Horse, Year of the Sheep, Year of the Monkey, Year of the Rooster, Year of the Dog, Year of the Pig, and Year of the Mouse.

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

4) Other Units - Denominations
Other units, i.e., denominations below or above one ounce, are produced as follows:

Size	Weight	Fine Weight	Face Value	Minting Years
10 kg	10.005 g	10.000 g	30.000 AUD	since 2008
1 kg	1.000,10 g	1.000 g	3.000 AUD	since 2008
10 Ounces	311,07 g	311,07 g	1.000 AUD	since 2008
2 Ounces	62,22 g	62,22 g	200 AUD	since 2008
1 Ounce	31,10 g	31,10 g	100 AUD	since 2008
1/2 Ounces	15,55 g	15,55 g	50 AUD	since 2008
1/4 Ounces	7,78 g	7,78 g	25 AUD	since 2008
1/10 Ounces	3,11 g	3,11 g	15 AUD	since 2008
1/20 Ounces	1,56 g	1,56 g	5 AUD	since 2008

5) Special Features - Minting Years - History - Mintage
The Lunar Series I has been minted since 1996, followed by the Lunar Series II in 2008, and now the Lunar Series III. The Lunar Series coins are also available in silver. For the Lunar Series III, the 1 oz edition is limited to 30,000 coins, and the 10 kg coin is limited to 100 pieces. Other units are produced based on demand. In addition to regular brilliant uncirculated editions, limited proof editions with significant collector premiums are also issued and traded. The diameter of the Lunar Series was increased with the introduction of Series I.