2016 1oz Perth Mint Silver Lunar Monkey Coin Series 2

Description

The 2016 Perth Mint Lunar Monkey is the ninth release in the Australian Lunar Silver Series II, and one of the most warmly received designs in the entire programme. Designed by Ing Ing Jong – who crafted every Lunar Series II release from 2013 onwards – the reverse depicts an adult monkey and a baby monkey sitting together in a peach tree, the baby cradling a ripe peach in its hand. It is an intimate, beautifully composed scene rich with symbolism.

In Chinese culture, the peach tree carries deep meaning, the fruit represents longevity and immortality, and the pairing of parent and child evokes family bonds, prosperity and good fortune. The Chinese character for “Monkey,” the inscription “Year of the Monkey” and the Perth Mint’s traditional “P” mintmark complete the reverse design.

The obverse carries the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, along with the face value of $1 AUD, weight, purity and year of issue. Struck in 1oz of 999 pure silver. The coin is issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965 and backed by the Australian government.

In the Chinese zodiac, the Monkey is the ninth of the twelve animals – intelligent, quick-witted, curious, optimistic, ambitious and adventurous. People born in Monkey years – 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 and 2016 — are said to possess a natural ingenuity and an irrepressible energy. This coin makes a charming and meaningful gift for anyone born under the sign.

With a maximum mintage of 300,000, the Perth Mint’s own records confirm the 2016 Monkey 1oz silver bullion coin sold out entirely – a mark of the strong and sustained demand the Lunar Series II programme commands. Each coin is presented in an individual protective capsule.