Lunar Series
Also: Lunar Coin, Chinese Zodiac Series, Perth Mint Lunar
The Lunar Series is a collection of gold and silver bullion coins struck annually by the Perth Mint (Australia) with a changing motif depicting the current animal of the Chinese zodiac.
The Lunar Series is one of the best-known and most widely collected bullion coin series in the world. Issued by the Perth Mint — one of the most prestigious mints on the planet — a new edition is released each year featuring the motif of the current Chinese zodiac animal. The twelve-year cycle encompasses the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
History and Series
The Perth Mint launched the Lunar Series in 1996 with Series I (years 1996–2007). After the first complete zodiac cycle, Series II (2008–2019) followed in 2008 with revised, more detailed coin designs. Since 2020, Series III has been running, again offering fresh designs and a slightly altered edge.
Denominations and Metals
The Lunar Series is issued in both gold and silver, and occasionally in platinum and palladium. The main denominations at a glance:
| Weight | Metal | Fineness |
|---|---|---|
| 1/20 oz | Gold | 999.9 ‰ |
| 1/10 oz | Gold | 999.9 ‰ |
| 1/4 oz | Gold | 999.9 ‰ |
| 1/2 oz | Gold | 999.9 ‰ |
| 1 oz | Gold | 999.9 ‰ |
| 2 oz | Gold | 999.9 ‰ |
| 10 oz | Gold | 999.9 ‰ |
| 1 kg | Gold | 999.9 ‰ |
| 1/2 oz | Silver | 999 ‰ |
| 1 oz | Silver | 999 ‰ |
| 2 oz | Silver | 999 ‰ |
| 5 oz | Silver | 999 ‰ |
| 10 oz | Silver | 999 ‰ |
| 1 kg | Silver | 999 ‰ |
All denominations carry a legal face value in Australian dollars and are therefore official legal tender — even though their intrinsic value exceeds the face value many times over. The fine weight can be verified using the Coin Weight Checker.
Bullion vs. Proof
The Lunar Series is available in two versions:
- Bullion: Frosted background, intended for investors, larger mintages, lower premium (agio).
- Proof: Mirror-polished background, frosted motif, limited mintage, elaborate packaging with certificate — aimed primarily at collectors.
There is a considerable price difference between the two variants: proof editions command significantly higher premiums above the pure metal value. The current gold price and silver price each form the basis for calculating the metal content value.
Melt Value and Premium
The melt value of a 1-ounce gold Lunar Series coin is approximately equal to the current gold spot price for a troy ounce, as the fineness is 999.9/1000:
Melt value (€) = Spot price (€/oz) × fineness × weight (oz)
The exact melt value for any weight and fineness can be calculated using the Melt Value Calculator.
The premium on bullion Lunar coins typically ranges between 3% and 10% above the metal value for gold, depending on denomination and year; for silver it is considerably higher due to VAT and smaller denomination sizes. Smaller denominations (e.g. 1/10 oz) carry a proportionally higher premium than the standard 1 oz coin.
Tax Classification (not tax advice)
Gold Lunar Series coins (e.g. 1 oz gold) qualify in Germany as investment gold exempt from VAT under § 25c UStG, provided they meet the statutory criteria (fineness ≥ 900/1000, struck after 1800, current or former legal tender). Silver Lunar coins, however, are subject to the standard VAT rate. Gains from a private sale after a holding period of more than one year are generally tax-free for private individuals in Germany (§ 23 EStG). Please consult a tax adviser for binding information — this is not tax or investment advice.
In Brief
The Perth Mint Lunar Series combines the highest coin quality (999.9 fineness) with the cultural appeal of the Chinese zodiac calendar. It is suitable both as a bullion coin for investment and as a collectible — with the premium varying considerably depending on version and denomination.