Few coin collections are as highly sought after by investors and collectors as the Lunar Series collections from the Perth Mint of Western Australia. As of 2020, the Perth Mint has three different collections, each one offering 12 distinctive designs representing the animals from the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Provident Metals currently has the 1996 Australian Lunar Rat 1 oz Gold Coin available to you for purchase in near-perfect condition.

Highlights:

• Arrives with a PCGS or NGC plastic slab!
• 1^st year of issue for the Lunar Series I gold coin collection!
• Limited number of certified gold coins available!
• Contains 1 Troy oz of .9999 pure gold.
• Issued a face value of $100 (AUD) by the government of Australia.
• Queen Elizabeth II is depicted on the obverse of the coin.
• A small rat is shown on the reverse of the coin.
• If you purchase multiples, please be aware you could receive several with the same grading house label.

When you purchase a 1996 Australian Lunar Rat 1 oz Gold Coin in this listing, the item you receive comes with a Mint State 69 certification. This grade was issued by either the PCGS or NGC and indicates the coin has full, original mint luster with no more than two detracting flaws present. Examples of acceptable flaws include only minuscule contact marks or hairlines found outside the primary focal points of the coin.

This listing offers coins with the MS69 grade, but does not guarantee the specific grading house the coin comes from. Your coin will come with that grade from either the PCGS or NGC. We cannot guarantee which grading house label you will receive. All coins are chosen at random based on availability once your payment has processed. If you buy more than one coin, you could receive various grading house labels, all from the PCGS or all from the NGC.

Obverse

Queen Elizabeth II is featured on the obverse of the 1996 Australian Lunar Rat 1 oz Gold Coin in the fourth-generation Australian effigy. Designed in 1984 by Raphael Maklouf, this design remained in use on many Australian denominations until 1999. It depicts the Queen in right-profile relief with the George IV State Diadem Crown on her head.

Reverse

A small rat is shown in great detail on the reverse side of 1996 Australian Lunar Rat 1 oz Gold Coins. The rat is on a small outcrop of grass and the details pick up each individual hair in its fur. The Chinese symbol for the rat is featured on this side, along with a beaded border design element.

History

The Year of the Rat is the first year in the 12-year cycle of the Zodiac. The Perth Mint always times its programs to start with the Year of the Rats appearance in the Zodiac and conclude with the Year of the Pig.

Ordering

Provident Metals customer service is available to answer your questions at 800-313-3315. You can also chat with us live online or email us directly.