Numismatics Lunar

The Lunar - the coin of the Chinese zodiac signs

About the Lunar in gold and silver

The Lunar Gold coin was first minted by the Perth Mint in 1996 for the Chinese New Year. It was inspired by the twelve signs of the zodiac in the Chinese lunar calendar. Each coin represents a specific animal and its characteristics, which in Chinese belief influence the fate and personality of humans. Since their introduction, the Lunar Gold coins have symbolized luck, prosperity and cultural solidarity. In addition to the gold version, the Lunar is also available in a silver version.

Due to the great success of the Lunar coins, the series and the design were taken up by other mints such as the Royal Australian Mint and are now also available from them.

Design and minting of the Lunar

The sign of the zodiac on each Lunar coin is magnificently depicted and artistically designed. The design changes annually and is adapted to the Chinese year, such as the “Year of the Dragon”. The motif alternates between the following animals: mouse, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Due to the success of the coin series, it was expanded by the Perth Mint with the Lunar Series II (from 2008 to 2019) and the Lunar Series III (since 2020).

On the reverse is a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in the design by Jody Clark. The Lunar coin is framed by the words “ELIZABETH II”, “AUSTRALIA” and the face value in “DOLLARS”, as well as the fineness. From 2025, the Lunar will display the portrait of Kind Charles III.

Similar to the Perth Mint versions, the Royal Australian Mint's Lunar series depicts the signs of the zodiac on the obverse and the motif changes annually. The difference can be seen on the reverse. Although this also shows Queen Elizabeth II, it is framed by the 12 signs of the zodiac. The current animal of the year is always placed at 12 o'clock. Instead of the Queen, it will also feature King Charles III in the future.

What makes the Lunar series special

The Lunar coins made of gold and silver have a high fineness of 999.9, which characterizes their quality and stable value. The “polished plate” minting method, which is the highest quality minting method, further emphasizes the quality of the Lunar series. Individual editions can also be purchased in a domed version. Strict quality controls by the Perth Mint and the Royal Australian Mint ensure that every gold and silver coin meets the highest standards and offers investors and collectors a reliable investment opportunity. That's why you receive a certificate of authenticity with every coin you buy.

The lunar as an investment

Due to the annually changing design, Lunar coins not only offer the opportunity to benefit from the increase in value of the precious metal, but also from their unique collector's value. With their limited mintage and cultural value, Lunar coins have the potential to increase significantly in value over time and generate an attractive return.

Collector's value and limitations of the Lunar

Due to the worldwide limited mintage of the annually redesigned coin, each Lunar version becomes a coveted collector's item. Collectors appreciate not only the significance and characteristics of the high-quality minted coins, but also their rarity, which further increases the collector's value of the series. The Lunar 3 series, the Lunar Rabbit and the Lunar Tiger are particularly popular.

All Lunar gold coins can be purchased from philoro at the current Lunar price.

Care and storage of the Lunar silver coin and gold coin

To maintain the value and beauty of Lunar coins for years to come, proper care and storage is crucial. We recommend storing them in the original coin case. If you would like to store your coins in a different capsule, you will find a wide range of options in our range of accessories as well as the right care products. You should choose a temperature-stable and dry storage location to protect your products from direct sunlight or moisture and to minimize the risk of discoloration. If you want to be on the safe side, we recommend storage in our deposit, which is specially designed for the safekeeping of coins and bars.

Customer service and purchasing advice

When buying Lunar coins, you should not take any risks, but should do so at a trustworthy and certified tradership. We at philoro specialize in the sale and purchase of numismatics and will be happy to advise you personally, discreetly and without obligation in our store or on the phone. In addition to excellent customer service, an unforgettable shopping experience is particularly important to us.

Buy the Lunar at philoro Austria

Let philoro Austria advise you and convince you of the exclusive selection of Lunar coins (such as the Lunar Tiger 2022, or the Lunar Rabbit 2023), our extensive range and the beauty and symbolism of the coins matching the Chinese lunar calendar.