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What makes the gold Lunar series special?
Lunar coins differ from other gold coins in that each year features a different animal. The series runs through a twelve-year cycle with symbolic figures such as the Dragon, Tiger, and Monkey. This creates a unique combination of cultural value and investment potential.
Three series since 1996
- Lunar I (1996–2007) the first editions, now often rare.
- Lunar II (2008–2019) more modern designs, greatly increased international recognition.
- Lunar III (2020–2031) refined details and wider availability in various formats.
Animals from the Lunar series
Each animal in the Chinese zodiac is associated with specific traits and characteristics that, according to Chinese astrology, influence the personality and future of individuals born in that year. This system plays a significant role in Chinese culture and is often used for making predictions and planning events.
| Animal | Sign | Years | Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rat | Shu | 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 | Intelligent, charming, and resourceful. Perceptive and skilled problem solvers. |
| Ox | Chou | 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 | Hardworking, reliable, and patient. Steadfast and responsible. |
| Tiger | Yin | 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 | Brave, energetic, and adventurous. Powerful and confident. |
| Rabbit | Yin | 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 | Gentle, sensitive, and elegant. Kind and diplomatic. |
| Dragon | Chen | 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 | Powerful, charismatic, and creative. Strong and ambitious. |
| Snake | Si | 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 | Wise and mysterious. Intelligent and intuitive. |
| Horse | Wu | 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026 | Energetic, independent, and enthusiastic. Freedom loving and enterprising. |
| Goat | Wei | 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027 | Creative, compassionate, and calm. Friendly and caring. |
| Monkey | Shen | 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028 | Smart, playful, and resourceful. Clever and adventurous thinkers. |
| Rooster | You | 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029 | Honest, confident, and precise. Direct and reliable. |
| Dog | Xu | 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030 | Loyal, honest, and dependable. Faithful and just. |
| Pig | Hai | 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031 | Honest, friendly, and hospitable. Truthful and kind hearted. |
Design and finish
The reverse side features the portrait of the British monarch (Elizabeth II until 2022, Charles III from 2023) along with the nominal value, weight, and gold content. The front depicts the animal of the year, often combined with Chinese symbolism.
For collectors, there are special proof editions, which are issued in limited quantities and come with luxury packaging and a certificate of authenticity.
Weights and mintages
The gold Lunar is minted in various sizes, ranging from 1/20 troy ounce to 1 kilo. The 1 troy ounce gold coin is the most traded version and is produced annually in limited quantities. The scarcity of particularly popular years contributes to its collectible value.
Advantages of investing in gold Lunar coins
- Highest purity: 24 karat (99.99% gold).
- Cultural significance: unique annual design based on the Chinese zodiac.
- Limited editions: increases the likelihood of value appreciation over time.
- Global tradability: recognized by investors and collectors.
- Accessible to everyone: available in multiple weights in gold and silver.
New and pre-owned options
At The Silver Mountain, you can choose from two options:
- Newly minted coins: Directly from The Perth Mint or official distributors.
- Pre-owned coins: Previously in circulation, but re-checked and traded via Inkoop Edelmetaal.
Pre-owned coins are often attractive due to a lower premium on top of the gold price, while having the same intrinsic value as new coins.
No VAT on investment gold
Within the European Union, gold Lunar coins fall under the category of investment gold. This means that no VAT is levied, which makes the coins particularly attractive to private investors in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Sell your gold Lunar coins
Would you like to sell your gold Lunar coins in the future? Thanks to The Silver Mountain's buyback guarantee via our sister company Inkoop Edelmetaal, you are assured of a competitive bid price based on the current gold price. This means your investment will always remain easily liquid.
You can sell your gold Lunar coins to us safely, quickly, and at the best price.
The Silver Mountain
Frequently asked questions about gold Lunar coins
What is the main difference between the various Gold Lunar Series?
The key difference between the Gold Lunar Series, such as Lunar I, II, and III, lies in the unique design and the cycle duration. Each series introduces a new design annually that corresponds to one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. The series run for twelve years each. Lunar III is the current series, running from 2020 to 2031. The earlier series often acquire numismatic added value.
What role do the Gold Lunar proof editions play in an investment portfolio?
Although proof coins contain the same high gold content of 99.99% as the standard Lunar bullion coins, they are primarily valued by collectors. This is due to their limited mintage and luxurious finish. For the pure gold investor, the standard bullion issues are more efficient, but the proof editions can potentially yield a higher return due to their collectible value stacking on top of the gold value.
Which Gold Lunar weights are available and what is the most popular size?
The Gold Lunar Series is famous for the very wide variety of weights available. This ranges from the small 1/20 oz up to the impressive 1 kilo coin. The gold 1 troy ounce coin is the most popular choice among investors because it offers the best balance between a relatively low premium and excellent liquidity.
Why do investors choose a pre-owned Gold Lunar coin?
Investors often opt for a pre-owned Gold Lunar coin because these pieces possess the same high fineness and guaranteed value as new issues, but often come with a lower premium. This represents an efficient way to benefit from the 99.99% purity without paying the higher premium typically charged for the newest mint years or for specific animals that have just been released.
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