The Lunar Series II collection of gold and silver coins from the Perth Mint has grown in variety and visibility since 1996 when the original Lunar Series coins were issued. The series that set the stage for others, original coins had simpler designs and fewer options. The 2018 Year of the Dog coins represent the popularity and growth of the series, with .9999 pure silver content, intricate designs, and seven total weights to choose from. Right now, 2018 5 oz Australian Silver Dog Coins are available to purchase from JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
- Arrives in an individual acrylic capsule.
- 11th design issued in Lunar Series II!
- Contains 5 Troy oz of .9999 pure silver in BU condition.
- Bears a face value of $8 (AUD) backed by the federal government of Australia.
- Obverse includes Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait.
- Reverse features a German Shepherd adult and pup as Year of the Dog representatives.
- Ing Ing Jong designs!
Each 2018 5 oz Australian Silver Dog Coin in this product listing is available in BU condition. Coins in BU condition exhibit no signs of wear and tear, but aren’t quite perfect specimens. BU coins have potential breaks in the luster, spotted surfaces, or contact marks from the coining process at the mint.
While many Perth Mint coins have set mintage figures, the mint issues many of its Silver Lunar Series coins with so-called unlimited mintages. By this, the mint means it will produce the coins to meet demand through the end of their calendar year of issue. At the end of 2018, Year of the Dog coins will no longer be struck, regardless of demand.
The reverse of the 2018 5 oz Australian Silver Dog Coin includes Ing Ing Jong’s design of the German Shepherd. An adult is featured relaxed and prone on the ground, with a cute pup at its side. Chinese peony flowers adorn the background, and the series release name, Perth Mint’s mint mark, and Chinese character for dog all feature as engravings.
On the obverse of all 2018 Australian Silver Dog Coins is Queen Elizabeth II’s effigy. Her Majesty appears on the obverse of all British and commonwealth coinage, with this 1998 design from Ian Rank-Broadley representing the fourth-generation effigy of the Queen during her long reign.
2018 Australian Silver Dog coins are available in a total of seven weights. The 1 oz silver coin is one of two with a set limit, at 300,000. The other is the yet-to-be announced 10 Kilo coin with just 100 to be struck. The ½ oz, 2 oz, 10 oz, 1 Kilo, and 5 oz Australian Silver Dog have unlimited mintages.
If you have questions, please ask. JM Bullion customer service is available at 800-276-6508, online using our live chat, and via our email address.