Lunar Silver | Perth Mint

Perth Mint Lunar Silver at Provident Metals

Most coin programs issue annual lunar-themed coins based on the animals in the Chinese zodiac. However, none are more popular than the Lunar Series from the Perth Mint. This series got its start in 1996 and is still issuing new unique coins, in various strikes and sizes, today. Learn more about Perth Mint Lunar Silver, right here at Provident Metals.

Background on the Perth Mint Lunar Series

Lunar Series I started in 1996 with the Year of the Rat. However, coins were just issued in gold weights, such as 1/20 oz, 1/10 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1 oz. Silver coins started being introduced in 1999 during the Year of the Rabbit.

Lunar Series II started for both gold and silver in 2008, while Lunar Series III debuted in 2020 and plans to run until 2031. Notably, for 2008-2010, which encompasses the Years of the Rat, Ox, and Tiger, both a Lunar Series I and Lunar Series II coin were issued showing unique images of the animal for each release.

These coins, regardless of weight or strike, feature the reigning British monarch on the obverse. Over the years this has included many unique designs, such as the following:

• 1996-1998: Third-generation portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Raphael Maklouf. The Queen is seen with the George IV State Diadem Crown.
• 1999-2019: Fourth-generation portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, created by Ian Rank-Broadley. The Queen is seen wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara.
• 2020-Present: Fifth-generation portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, created by Jody Clark. The Queen is displayed with the George IV State Diadem Crown.

Lunar Series I (1999-2010 for Silver)

From 1999 to 2003, coins were issued in five unique weights.

• 1 Kilogram – $30 (AUD)
• 10 Troy oz – $10 (AUD)
• 2 Troy oz – $2 (AUD)
• 1 Troy oz – $1 (AUD)
• 1/2 Troy oz – $0.50 (AUD)

This release window represents the Years of the Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, and Goat, respectively. Both the 1 oz and 1/2 oz coins had mintage caps of 300,000 and 500,000, respectively, while larger sizes had an unlimited mintage.

Notably, coins issued in 1999 will have the P100 mint mark for the 100th anniversary of the Perth Mint

In 2004, two new sizes were added:

• 1/2 Kilogram – $15 (AUD)
• 5 Troy oz – $8 (AUD)

This lasted for the Year of the Monkey and the Rooster. For 2006, a 10 Kilogram option with a face value of $300 (AUD) was added. All 8 weights were released in both 2006 and 2007.

In 2008, the Year of the Rat returned, and both a Lunar Series I and Lunar Series II coin was created. From 2008 to 2010 just a 1 Kilogram, 2 oz, and 1 oz coin was released.

Notably, the designs for the gold and silver coins were unique to that metal type. Designs feature the animal, along with the year of issue, the traditional Chinese character for the animal, and further identifying marks of the coin.

Lunar Series II (2008-2019)

Lunar Series II kicked off in 2008 with the Year of the Mouse. It debuted with 8 unique weights. 10 Kilogram, 1, Kilogram, 1/2 Kilogram, 10 oz, 5 oz, 2 oz, 1 oz, and 1/2 oz. These eight weights were released for 2009 and 2010 as well. The 2011 release for the Year of the Rabbit, got rid of the 1/2 Kilogram option. The remaining seven weights were issued for every new release, until 2020, when the 10 oz was removed.

Notably, the Perth Mint during Lunar Series II, started to make all of their annual bullion coin programs, out of .9999 pure silver, rather than .999 silver. Lunar Series II coins dated from 2008 to 2016 will be made from .999 silver. Coins from 2017 to 2019 will have a purity of .9999 silver.

While reverse designs still would feature the animal, along with the traditional Chinese character for that animal, designs for Lunar Series II became more complex than Lunar Series I. Some releases, such as the Year of the Monkey, Dog, and Goat, featured multiples of that animal on the reverse design.

Lunar Series III (2020-2031)

When the Year of the Rat returned in 2020, so did the Perth Mint Lunar Series, with their Lunar Series III. For the first few years of releases, the standard 6 weights (10 Kilograms, 1 Kilogram, 5 oz, 2 oz, 1 oz, 1/2 oz) have been issued each year.

Reverse designs have continued to get more and more complex. For example, the 2020 release shows two mice eating some corn on the cob. The 2024 issue of the Year of the Dragon shows a dragon staring at the viewer while breathing an intense breath of fire. Notably, the 2024 releases will have a unique P125 mint mark indicating the 125th anniversary of the Perth Mint

Unique Strikes of Perth Mint Lunar Silver Coins

The Perth Mint Lunar Silver Series has been immensely popular. As such, many unique strikes have also appeared over the years. Some of the most popular are the following:

• Colorized Proof: These coins are proof strikes that are given a colorized lacquer on the reverse.
• Gilded: These coins have a thin layer of 24-karat gold on the reverse.
• Proof 3-Coin Sets: These sets feature 3 coins, all as proof strikes. For example, the 2020 set includes the 3 smallest weights in the series.
• 4-Coin Rectangular Sets: These sets contain four rectangular coins, that are proof colorized, featuring four unique designs.

Purchasing Perth Mint Lunar Silver at Provident Metals

For any questions about Perth Mint Lunar Silver, contact the Provident Metals customer service team today. We can be reached via email, through our online chat feature, or by calling us at 1-800-313-3315.