|
Information on the Australian Lunar Series Silver Coin Series |
| The Perth Mint Kookaburra Silver Coin, launched in 1990, is celebrated for its 99.9% silver content and features a new kookaburra design each year, capturing the essence of this distinctive Australian bird. This series is highly prized among collectors and investors for both its numismatic appeal and investment potential, bolstered by its yearly design variations. |
 |
|
Coin Name: The Australian Lunar Series Silver Coin |
|
Minted By: Perth Mint, Australia |
|
First Released in: 1999 |
|
Legal Tender Value: $1 AUD / 1 Ounce Coin; $10 AUD / 10 Ounce Coin; $30 AUD / 1 KG Coin |
|
Sizes Available: 1/2 Ounce, 1 Ounce, 2 Ounce, 5 Ounce, 10 Ounce and 1 Kilogram |
|
Annual Mintage: The annual mintage of the Lunar Series Silver Coins is typically limited, which can vary greatly depending on the year and the animal represented. This limited mintage strategy enhances the coins’ appeal as collectibles. In 2024, minting of silver Lunar Dragon coins was limited to 300,000 coins. |
|
Coin Dimensions and Specification: The Perth Mint Lunar Series Silver Coins are part of a highly popular series that changes design each year corresponding to the Chinese Zodiac. These coins are minted from 99.99% pure silver. Standard issues are typically 1 troy ounce (31.1 grams) in weight, but the series is also available in a range of sizes from 1/2 ounce to larger formats like 1 kilogram, catering to diverse preferences and investment scales. Each coin features a reeded edge. |
|
Coin Design: Obverse: The obverse of each coin consistently features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II or King Charles III, along with the denomination and the year of issue. The portrait on the front of the coin is updated periodically according to the standard effigy changes in Australian coinage. Reverse: The reverse design is unique each year, depicting an animal from the Chinese Zodiac related to the specific year of issue. This includes intricate depictions of dragons, horses, snakes, goats, and other zodiac animals in stylized forms that reflect their significance in Chinese astrology. Each design is rich in detail and symbolic elements, adding to the collectibility of the series. |
|
Other Coins in the Series: The Lunar Series includes both gold and silver coins, with each metal featuring the same annual design themes. The series has been through multiple cycles—Lunar Series I (1996-2007), Lunar Series II (2008-2019), and Lunar Series III started in 2020, each offering fresh artistic interpretations of the zodiac animals. Special editions, such as proof coins and colorized versions, are also released, providing further diversity and appeal to collectors. |
