Chinese Lunar Calendar coin designs are among the most coveted series of precious metals products minted right now. With designs that change on an annual basis and limited mintages, these coins are sought after by both investors and collectors. Today, JM Bullion offers the latest Lunar Series II from the Perth Mint, the mint that started the craze. The 2016 2 oz Australian Silver Monkey Coin is available right now in Brilliant Uncirculated condition.
Coin Highlights:
- Coins ship in individual acrylic mint capsules, multiples of 5 ship in rolls and 50 ship in mint boxes.
- Contains 2 troy oz of .999 pure silver.
- Bears a face value of $2 (AUD) backed by the government of Australia.
- Features the all-new Year of the Monkey design on reverse.
- Available in Brilliant Uncirculated condition.
- Part of the Perth Mint’s Lunar Series II program. Click here to see annual Perth Silver Lunar Series II mintages.
The latest coins from the Perth Mint’s Lunar Series II honor the Year of the Monkey in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. The 12-year cycle of the calendar offers a different animal as the representative of individuals born under each sign. Those born in the year of the monkey include individuals born in 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, and so on.
In the Chinese language, Shengxiao is the name of the Zodiac, which translates literally as “birth likeness.” Those born under the year of the monkey are said to be intelligent, quick-witted, optimistic, and ambitious.
On the reverse side is the Year of the Monkey design. In the middle of the coin is the image of a pair of monkeys, one adult and one child. The pair are seated in a peach tree, with the younger monkey holding a peach in its palm. The Chinese character for monkey, “P” mint mark, and phrase “Year of the Monkey” are all engraved on this side.
The obverse features the common image used on all Perth Mint coins. Ian Rank-Broadley’s fourth-generation portrait of England’s Queen Elizabeth II is featured in the middle, with engravings of “Elizabeth II,” “Australia,” and the face value of the coin surrounding her image.
The Perth Mint is the nation’s oldest operating facility. Though not associated with the Royal Australian Mint, all of its coins are considered legal tender under the Currency Act of 1965.
If you have questions, please contact JM Bullion at 800-276-6508. You can also connect with us via our live web chat, or send us an email with your questions. Looking for similar products? Be sure to check out our full selection of Perth Mint Silver Coins.