Australia Lunar Series II

1) Recognition, Name, and Country of Origin
The Lunar Series II is the consistent continuation of the successful Lunar Series I. It was first introduced at the end of 2007 with the 2008 "Year of the Mouse" edition by the Australian Perth Mint and has gained significant recognition and popularity as an investment coin. The silver investment coins are minted with a fineness of 999/1000.

2) Description
The obverse side features ever-changing motifs of Chinese zodiac signs along with Chinese script that aligns with the Chinese calendar. Additionally, the mint mark "P" denotes the minting institution "Perth Mint". The following motifs have been or are being minted: 2009: Year of the Ox, 2010: Year of the Tiger, 2011: Year of the Rabbit, 2012: Year of the Dragon, 2013: Year of the Snake, 2014: Year of the Horse, 2015: Year of the Sheep, 2016: Year of the Monkey, 2017: Year of the Rooster, 2018: Year of the Dog, 2019: Year of the Pig. The reverse side features, as with all Commonwealth coins, the portrait of the reigning monarch (Queen Elizabeth II). Additionally, the Lunar Series II coin's reverse displays the year of issuance, the fineness, the fine weight, and the face value.

3) Face Value, Legal Tender, and Value
The Lunar silver coins are legal tender in Australia. The face value of these coins varies based on size and weight (see table below).

4) Other Units and Denominations
Other units, both below and above one ounce, are minted as follows:

Size	Weight	Fine Weight	Face Value	Years of Issue
10 Kilograms	10010.00 g	10000.00 g	300 AUD	since 2008
1 Kilogram	1001.00 g	1000.00 g	30 AUD	since 2008
10 Ounces	311.34 g	311.03 g	10 AUD	since 2008
5 Ounces	155.67 g	155.50 g	8 AUD	since 2008
2 Ounces	62.27 g	62.20 g	2 AUD	since 2008
1 Ounce	31.13 g	31.10 g	1 AUD	since 2008
1/2 Ounce	15.59 g	15.55 g	0.5 AUD	since 2008

5) Special Features, Minting Years, History, and Mintage
The Lunar Series I was minted from 1999 to 2010. In the Lunar Series II, the 1 oz. edition is limited to 300,000 coins, and the 10 kg silver coin is limited to 500 pieces. The other units are minted based on demand. In addition to "Brilliant Uncirculated" (BU) versions, limited proof editions (PP) and "Gilded Versions," where the motifs are heavily gold-plated, are also produced. The diameter of the Lunar Series was increased with the introduction of Series II.