Australia's Perth Mint Lunar Series 2 Silver Coins

Beginning in the "Year of the Mouse" 2008 the Perth Mint in Australia started minting their series 2 silver lunar coins. A new release comes each year to commemorate the corresponding animal in the Chinese lunar calendar. The series 2 one ounce releases are large, impressive coins struck in 99.9% pure silver and are a tantalizing 45.60 mm in diameter.

The Perth Mint's bullion release are all legal tender under the Australian Currency Act of 1965. Coins are released in 10 Kilo, 1 Kilo, 10, 5, 2, 1 and 1/2 ounce sizes and in addition they produce colorized, gilded and proof versions of many of the sizes. These industry leading Australian lunar silver coins give investors and collectors the chance to add the finest silver series on the market from our friends "down under" to their collections.

The coins and photos in this lens are part of my personal collection while the videos are links to the fine work of others. I hope you enjoy the review.

See below for the numerous factors contributing to the popularity of the series. In sum total demand should likely continue to be very strong for the foreseeable future since:

1. The one ounce silver lunar coin mintage is very limited to just 300,000 coins.
2. The quality and finish is almost equal to other mint's proof releases.
3. The design by the Perth Mint is always innovative and top notch.
4. The Perth Mint is held in overall very high esteem by collectors.
5. All coins are encapsulated in unique Perth Mint exclusive air tight capsules.
6. They are priced as bullion with only a modest premium.
7. All the benefits of legal tender status are bestowed on them.
8. The lunar Calendar is steeped in tradition and symbolism.
9. The design rotates with a different feature animal with each year.

"The design for the 2013 Australian Year of the Snake (10kg, 1kg, 10oz, 5oz, 2oz, 1oz and 1/2oz) silver bullion coins consists of a representation of a snake entwined on a branch, surrounded by a pattern of lines." The predator gracefully hangs in a tree seemingly poised to pounce on its next unsuspecting victim. "The coins include the inscriptions 'Year of the Snake' along with the Pinyin pictograph pronounced 'shé' and meaning 'snake'."

2013 Perth Mint Lunar Snake Review

An imposing Chinese dragon pursues the pearl of wisdom. The judiciously placed words "YEAR OF THE Dragon" defines the theme for this years release. The Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II and the monetary denomination of $1 are shown on the obverse. If you are interested in more about Australian Lunar Dragon
2012 coins click the picture to the right and it will take you to lens dedicated to them.

People born during a Year of the Dragon (1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, and 2012) strongly adopt some of the Dragon's Characteristics. Dragons are always there to lend a helping hand but rarely reach out to others for assistance with their own challenges. Dragons can tend to be loners but others enjoy being around them for their charismatic personalities. They can be viewed as aloof and arrogant but this is more due to the fact that they do their best work alone. Be careful though, Dragons are quick to anger! They're hard working, driven leaders who are willing to take risks,

This is the fifth release of the Perth Mint Lunar Series 2.

A young rabbit along with its ever vigilant mother are sheltered and kept safe from ever omnipresent predators by overhanging plants . The judiciously inscribed words "YEAR OF THE RABBIT" defines the theme for this years release. The Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II and the monetary denomination of $1 are shown on the obverse.

People whose birth occurs during a Year of the Rabbit (1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, and 2011) are said to be heavily influenced by this fact and take on many attributes of that animal. Rabbits are sociable, artsy, easy to get along with and are often cautious and have shy tendencies. They are also regularly distinguished for their elegant good taste and very popular due to their sweet kind nature. The colorized version is photographed below.

An now the proof version....

A very nice video overview of the Australian Lunar series 2 silver coins with different sizes and versions. Enjoy!

The Perth Mint series 2 coins have a mirrored design almost like a reverse proof with shiny detail elements against a frosted background.

The coin is a striking example as the top predator surveys a field of grass. Perhaps patiently looking for its next victim or just relaxing to get away from the heat of the day. The raised letters YEAR OF THE TIGER define the release.

People born during a Year of the Tiger (1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, and 2010) are said to be charismatic and fearsome, While they are very generous they stay true to their inner tiger by being unpredictable. They can be very passionate about life, and are unafraid of taking on new adventures. Be careful though, just like their namesake they can also be aggressive, especially when they perceive a threat!

The Lunar Tiger was the 3rd release of the popular series.

A cow and her calf offer a peaceful scene, standing in a grass valley with rolling hills adorning the background. The theme for the year is announced as "YEAR OF THE OX" across the bottom. The Chinese character for "Ox" and the Perth Mint's "P" mint mark round out the rest of the markings on the coins obverse.

Everyone knows the old saying "strong as an ox". The personality traits are much deeper and complex than the simplicity of that . Ox personalities are defined by tenacity and dependability. They are confident, patient, and normally more of the silent type. They have a caring nature that always looks for opportunities to help others. They are usually uncomfortable taking risks and have quite a stubborn streak.

1 ounce lunar ox proof and mint packaging of the 2nd series release are above.

A pair of mice are nesting in a straw bed in front of pumpkins. The marking "YEAR OF THE MOUSE" announces the animal for 2008. The Chinese character for "Mouse" above with the Perth Mint's "P" mint mark near the rim.

2008 brings about the Year of the Rat (or Mouse). According to the belief, people born during a Year of the Rat take on that animal's tendencies. They are always ready to lead, from pioneers that go into new territory to conquerors set out to capture new land they rise to the top with charisma and passion. On top of being hardworking and practical, they are crafty and thrifty. If you have a Mouse in your family it is very likely they are generous with you or other family members.

A pair of perfect MS70 Lunar Mice!!!

Here is a catchy video by an Australian collector that includes the a terrific variety of Australian gold and silver lunar coins.

Australian Lunar Dragon