Both sovereign and private mints find inspiration for their coin series in different places. One source of creativity for many different bullion producers is the Chinese Zodiac.
The most famous coin series dedicated to the Chinese Zodiac is the Australian Lunar series. The series, which moves in a similar cycle to the actual Shengxiao, is in its third iteration.
The other prominent mint to produce a lunar series is Great Britain’s Royal Mint. Needless to say, both series are desirable to collectors as they can be assembled into discrete sets easily.
The Shengxiao, or Chinese Zodiac, is a 12-year cycle that is deeply symbolic of Chinese traditions and folklore. Unlike the common Zodiac, which relates to the night sky and constellations within a certain band of sky, the Shengxiao features a sequence of 12 animals.
According to Chinese tradition, the Jade Emperor (the supreme ruler of Heaven) organized a contest to determine the order of animals in the sequence. The rat won, so the Year of the Rat marks the first year of the cycle.
Thus, the full sequence of animals in the Shengxiao is as follows: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each person’s personality and temperament is thought to be influenced by the traits of their birth sign. More practically, the Chinese Zodiac has served as a handy timekeeping tool for farmers in East Asia.
The Shengxiao has been at work in China for more than 2,000 years. It has also been adopted in various forms in several East Asian countries, such as Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam.
2025 is the Year of the Snake, so we are in the middle of a cycle. Here are a few more details about the meaning behind each of the 12 signs in the Chinese Zodiac.
Cleverness allowed the Rat to win the Jade Emperor’s contest. Thus, people born during the Year of the Rat are thought to be charming and intelligent. Years of the Rat are often thought to be lucky and revitalizing.
Recent years of the Rat include: 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936, 1924, 1912, and 1900.
Unsurprisingly, the Ox is known for its importance to Chinese agriculture and its requisite traits of dependability and quiet strength. People born in Ox years are considered hardworking and gritty, unwilling to quit in the face of adversity. Years of the Ox are usually marked by stability and patience.
Recent years of the Ox include: 2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937, 1925, 1913, and 1901.
The Tiger is associated both with courage and unpredictability. Thus, there is a tremendous sense of risk and reward with years of the Tiger. Those born under the sign of the Tiger are known to be bold and daring individuals.
Recent years of the Tiger include: 2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938, 1926, 1914, and 1902.
The gentle Rabbit imbues both its years and the humans born within those years with a sense of peace and refinement. The Rabbit is associated with good luck, calm and diplomacy. People born under the sign of the Rabbit may also be artistic and/or maintain a strong connection to the arts.
Recent years of the Rabbit include: 2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, 1927, 1915, and 1903.
Few symbols evoke power and authority than the Dragon. The Dragon years are associated with bold changes and major shifts in the cosmos or the world at large. Thus, Dragon year births tend to favor growth and transformation to satisfy their highest potential.
Recent years of the Dragon include: 2024 , 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940, 1928, 1916, and 1904.
People born during years of the Snake are often thought to be quiet bastions of introspection and wisdom. The Snake’s practice of shedding its skin suggests the sigil’s propensity for adaptation, and all humans are encouraged to make changes after deliberation and with as much insight as they can.
Recent years of the Snake include: 2025, 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, 1929, 1917, and 1905.
The Horse people are the individualists. The Horse’s nature and love of freedom tends to inform the free-spirited and passionate nature of its charges. Chinese culture suggests that the year of the Horse is fast and full of opportunities to reward those that bravely follow their passions.
Recent years of the Horse include: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930, 1918, and 1906.
The Goat, or the Sheep, is renowned for its creativity and gentle spirit. Those born during a Goat year are usually empathetic, cooperative, and emotionally mature. Years of the Goat tend to be times of artistic expression and beauty.
Recent years of the Goat include: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943, 1931, 1919, and 1907.
The Monkey embodies intelligence and liveliness with its agility and cleverness. There is also an element of unpredictability that translates onto those born under its sign. Monkey years often play host to ingenious problem-solving and unexpected leaps forward in progress.
Recent years of the Monkey include: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944, 1932, 1920, and 1908.
Nature’s alarm clock, the Rooster, gives the impression of both clarity and responsibility with its visage. Those under the Rooster are renowned for their confidence and discipline. A year of the Rooster is a time for hard work and structure.
Recent years of the Rooster include: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945, 1933, 1921, and 1909.
The familiar traits of the Dog translate over into those born under its sign. Like the animals themselves, the Dog is loyal, steadfast, and fair in its dealings. Dog year people are often struck with a strong sense of justice, and the years themselves are times of fortitude and defenses of ethics.
Recent years of the Dog include: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946, 1934, 1922, and 1910.
Finally, the last year of the cycle is a time of satisfaction and contentment. The Pig is known for its generosity, and so are its people. They are usually relaxed, laid back, and fun to be around. The year of the Pig is a time to enjoy the simpler pleasures of life.
Recent years of the Pig include: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947, 1935, 1923, and 1911.
Absolutely! We have options for many of the top Shengxiao-inspired coin series in the world. Whether you want to assemble the entire set or simply have a coin in your birth year, you can reach out to us anytime you like. Our trained counselors are standing by to receive your messages via phone, email, or live chat, and the best time to call is the best time for you.
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