Silver Perth Lunar Series Coins

Silver Perth Lunar Series Coins at Silver.com

There are many coin programs that release lunar-themed bullion based on the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. These animals are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. These 12 animals and their respective symbolism are popular throughout the world. However, no lunar-themed series is as popular as the Perth Mint Lunar Series. With a history dating back to the 1990s, learn more about Silver Perth Lunar Series Coins right here at Silver.com.

Lunar Series I

While the overall Lunar Series began in 1996, the first 3 years saw coins being issued in just gold weights. Silver coins were first issued beginning in 1999 with the Year of the Rabbit. Design elements for these coins were relatively simple, showcasing the animal and identifying marks of the coin.

From 1999 to 2003, these coins were released in 5 unique weights such as 1/2 oz, 1 oz, 2 oz, 10 oz, and 1 kilogram. Interestingly, coins issued in 1999 bear a unique P100 mint mark to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Perth Mint.

In 2004, two more sizes were added (5 oz, and 1/2 kilogram.) In 2006, a behemoth 10 kilogram silver coin was added to the series, with all 8 weights being issued in 2006 and 2007.

From 2008 to 2010, which encompasses the years of the Rat, Ox, and Tiger, both a Lunar Series I and Lunar Series II coin was issued. For Lunar Series I, just 3 weight options were produced ranging from 1 kilogram to 1 Troy oz.

Additionally, the design shown on the coin is unique to the metal type. Thus, the designs seen on gold coins differ from the designs seen on silver coins.

Lunar Series II

Lunar Series II began with the Year of the Rat in 2008 and ran until 2019. Lunar Series II debuted with the 8 weight options seen in Lunar Series I. In 2011, the 1/2 kilogram option was removed. The remaining seven weights were released annually for the remainder of Lunar Series II.

During Lunar Series II, the Perth Mint upgraded the purity of these coins. All Lunar Series I coins are issued in .999 silver. For Lunar Series II, coins issued from 2008 to 2016 are made with this same purity. Coins issued from 2017 to 2019 are produced with .9999 pure silver.

During Lunar Series II, designs became more complex. Oftentimes, multiples of a certain animal were portrayed.

Lunar Series III

Lunar Series III debuted in 2020 with the return of the Year of the Rat. Lunar Series III coins were introduced without the 10 oz coin leaving just six options for each annual release – 1/2 oz, 1 oz, 2 oz, 5 oz, 1 kilogram, and 10 kilograms.

As to be expected, designs have continued to show more complexity. For example, the 2024 issue for the Year of the Dragon shows a dragon flying around the design field and breathing fire. Furthermore, 2024 coins also are adorned with a unique P125 mint mark for the 125th anniversary of the Perth Mint.

Obverse Designs of Silver Perth Lunar Series Coins

With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, most all of Perth Mint’s coin programs adopted the effigy of King Charles III for the obverse. However, as of 2024, this series still showcases Her Majesty on the obverse design field. However, many different depictions have been shown.

• 1996-1998: Queen Elizabeth II designed by Raphael Maklouf.
• 1999-2019: Queen Elizabeth II created by Ian Rank-Braodley.
• 2020-Present: Queen Elizabeth II produced by Jody Clark.

Unique Strikes of Silver Perth Lunar Series Coins

While BU coins are popular in this series, other strikes are regularly available in the series. This includes colorized, gilded, and even proof-colorized coins, among others.

Ordering Silver Perth Lunar Series Coins at Silver.com

For any questions regarding these Silver Perth Lunar Series Coins, contact the Silver.com team today at 1-888-989-7223. Our team can also be easily reached via email or through our online chat feature.