Zodiac-themed coin designs are produced by many mints, both private and sovereign, around the globe today. A fad started by the Perth Mint in 1996, today Zodiac-inspired designs are found as privy marks on popular bullion coins and even have their own product lines. The 2016 1 oz Silver British Monkey Coin is now available in near-perfect condition on Silver.com.
Coin Highlights:
- 3rd coin in the Shengxiao Collection from the Royal Mint.
- Ships to you in a protective plastic slab courtesy of the NGC.
- Issued a face value of £2 (GBP) by the government of the United Kingdom.
- Graded Mint State 69 by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.
- Features a deeply-mirrored, proof-like finish.
- Designed by Wuon-Gean Ho.
- Latest profile of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.
Each 2016 Silver British Monkey Coin available on Silver.com through this product listing is a near-perfect specimen. The NGC graded these coins MS69, indicating the presence of full, original mint luster, but also a maximum of two minor detracting flaws on the surface.
As a DPL coin, these are bullion products with a finish reminiscent of a proof coin. The coin’s background field has a deeply-mirrored finish that is more commonly found on proof coins that are treated before striking and minted under higher pressure levels.
Wuon-Gean Ho is a British-Chinese artist who was commissioned by the Royal Mint to complete designs for the Shengxiao Collection. Each of her designs reflects the intersection of British and Chinese culture. Her 2016 Year of the Monkey design shows off the playful nature of the monkey.
The latest portrait of Queen Elizabeth II also debuts on these 2016 coins. Designed in 2015 by Jody Clark, this is the fifth image of Her Majesty to appear on British currency since she ascended to the throne in 1952. At just 33 years old, Clark is the youngest artist to design Her Majesty’s profile for a British coin.
On the reverse of the coin is the Year of the Monkey design, which depicts two Rhesus monkeys jumping from tree branch to tree branch. The obverse bears the all-new right-profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
If you have any questions about these Royal Mint coins, please feel free to contact Silver.com at 888-989-7223. We’re also available online using our live chat and email features.