Top of the page

1 oz Gold Coin - Lunar I - Year of the Monkey - 2004

Item No. IAUS020417

Exclusively available in combination with the Superior Box.

Only the complete series provides the basis for long-term value preservation and growth.
This series is also available as part of a savings plan.
Superior Collectors Plan >>

Specifications

Delivery time (days)
2-3
Mint
Perth Mint
Country
Australia
Denomination
100
Currency
$
Year of issue
2004
Mintage
16.868
Delivery
In Capsule
Series
Lunar I
Fineness
999,9
Metal
Gold
Quality
Uncirculated
Weight in ounces
1
Gross weight in g
31,1
Diameter in mm
32,00

Description

Product Description

  • 9th issue of the renowned Lunar I Series from the Perth Mint
  • 1 ounce of 9999 pure gold in proof quality
  • Limited mintage: 30,000 pieces worldwide
  • Final mintage: 16,868 pieces worldwide (without guarantee)
  • Delivered in a coin capsule for optimal protection

This gold coin from the Lunar I Series is among the most sought-after year issues for discerning collectors and security-oriented investors. The Year of the Monkey combines subtle symbolism with excellent minting technology and clearly limited availability.

Product Details

Technical Precision and Uncompromising Gold Quality

The coin was struck from exactly one ounce of 999.9 gold, achieving a fineness that meets the highest international standards. With a diameter of 32.10 mm, it lies perfectly balanced in the hand and conveys a sense of substance and lasting value from the very first touch. The brilliant uncirculated quality finish ensures sharply defined contours, brilliant surfaces, and even light reflection, allowing the motif to stand out with striking clarity. Production takes place under strictly controlled conditions at the Perth Mint, one of the world’s most respected minting institutions. Each coin is delivered in a protective capsule to ensure its flawless preservation over the long term. Precise weight, exceptional detail, and material purity make this issue a classic collector coin with a high level of trust in international trade.

Superior Fact:
For its gold coins made from 9999 gold, the Perth Mint uses a multi-stage minting process that ensures consistently high relief sharpness across the entire mintage.
Source: The Perth Mint

Motif and Design

Expressive Symbolism of the Monkey in Finest Engraving

The obverse depicts a monkey moving lively and attentively along a branch. The representation appears dynamic yet harmonious, with finely detailed fur textures and natural line work. Light and shadow play across the raised areas, giving the motif depth and an almost three-dimensional impression.

In the Chinese lunar calendar, the monkey is regarded as a symbol of intelligence, adaptability, and ingenuity. These qualities are reflected in the design and lend the coin a narrative character that goes far beyond a mere precious metal investment.

The reverse shows the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in a classic rendition, adding further numismatic authenticity to the coin.

Historical and Cultural Background

The Lunar I Series as a Cultural Collecting Heritage

The Lunar I Series from the Perth Mint was introduced in the late 1990s and marked a turning point in the international coin market. For the first time, the Chinese zodiac was implemented in a consistently well-conceived precious metal series that combined cultural depth with the highest minting standards. The series comprises twelve motifs, each assigned to a lunar year, and continues to enjoy high esteem among collectors worldwide.

The year 2004 represents the Year of the Monkey and is positioned as the ninth issue within the series. These later issues are increasingly sought after, as many collectors aim to complete their sets. The combination of Australian minting tradition and East Asian symbolism creates an intercultural value that makes these coins internationally tradable and widely referenced.

Exclusivity and Investment Value

Limited Gold Coin with a Sustainable Demand Profile

With a mintage of only 16,868 pieces, this issue is among the clearly limited gold coins of its series. Demand is driven not only by the gold value but also by the series character and the worldwide popularity of the Lunar motifs. Experienced investors appreciate this combination, as it unites a stable foundation with additional collector potential.

The one-ounce denomination facilitates resale and ensures broad market acceptance. At the same time, limited availability provides protection against inflationary dilution, as can occur with high mintages.

Secure one of the few examples of this strictly limited coin before it permanently disappears from the open market.

Special Features

Tangible Value Through Weight and Balance

One ounce of gold conveys an immediate sense of value and permanence. The balanced ratio of diameter to thickness provides a pleasant feel, creating trust and making the material value clearly tangible. Especially with physical gold investments, this sensation plays a decisive role, as it combines emotional security with rational calculability.

A weight of one ounce is internationally regarded as a reference unit in the precious metals trade. As a result, the coin remains liquid and easy to value at all times, regardless of market phase or region. For investors, this means price stability, while collectors benefit from the clearly defined unit.

What Makes This Coin Special?

The combination of Lunar I Series status, low mintage, and 9999 gold makes this Year of the Monkey issue an internationally recognized collector coin with a sustainable value profile.

Storage

At Superior Coins, your coin collection is especially dear to us. That’s why we developed our Superior Boxes with a unique, multifunctional inlay tailored perfectly to your needs. You can choose to store the inlay safely and space-efficiently in our compact Security Box, ideal for safe-deposit lockers, or place it in one of our elegantly designed presentation boxes.

This way, your collection remains protected in your private safe while allowing you to enjoy the beautiful display of your valuable pieces at any time with style and pride. Discover the variety of our high-quality boxes and experience how presentation and security come together perfectly at Superior Coins.

Delivery and Service

Decide for yourself whether your coin will be delivered in the original case or in one of our exclusive Superior Boxes. The numbered certificate of authenticity fits securely in both packaging options. Upon request, we can store your Superior Box in our in-house, fully insured vault until your collection is complete. Alternatively, you are welcome to send us your coins; we will place them with the utmost care into the designated Superior Box and gladly assist you in completing your collection.

Personal Support & Maximum Security

We provide you with comprehensive and personal advice at any time, to jointly assemble the optimal overall package tailored to your individual goals and wishes. You can also make use of our subscription service so that you never miss a new release in your collection.

Of course, you will receive all relevant documents from us, including meaningful images for your insurance, directly upon delivery.

Rely on our many years of experience, maximum reliability, and state-of-the-art security standards. Your valuable pieces are in the best hands with Superior Coins. We accompany you with the greatest care and personal service on your path to a unique and value-retaining collection.

FAQ

Your Questions, Competently Answered

  • What is the worldwide mintage of this gold coin?
    The mintage is limited to exactly 16,868 pieces, making this issue clearly limited and relevant to collectors within the Lunar I Series.
  • Is this coin suitable for long-term investment?
    Thanks to its high fineness, internationally recognized mint, and limited mintage, the coin offers a solid foundation for long-term precious metal strategies.
  • How should I optimally store the gold coin?
    A dry, temperature-stable environment without direct sunlight is ideal, and the original capsule should be used permanently.
  • Is this coin also suitable as a gift?
    The cultural background of the Lunar motif and the high-quality craftsmanship make this coin a valued gift with lasting worth.
  • Can I easily resell the coin later?
    Thanks to the one-ounce size and the high recognition of the Lunar Series, there is very good tradability on both national and international markets.

Did you know?

The Lunar I gold coins were the first of their kind to consistently translate the Chinese zodiac into pure investment gold, thereby shaping a global collector market.

Deutsche Literatur Box

1 oz Gold Coin - Lunar I - Year of the Monkey - 2004

Item No. IAUS020417

Exclusively available in combination with the Superior Box.

Only the complete series provides the basis for long-term value preservation and growth.
This series is also available as part of a savings plan.
Superior Collectors Plan >>

Product Description

  • 9th issue of the renowned Lunar I Series from the Perth Mint
  • 1 ounce of 9999 pure gold in proof quality
  • Limited mintage: 30,000 pieces worldwide
  • Final mintage: 16,868 pieces worldwide (without guarantee)
  • Delivered in a coin capsule for optimal protection

This gold coin from the Lunar I Series is among the most sought-after year issues for discerning collectors and security-oriented investors. The Year of the Monkey combines subtle symbolism with excellent minting technology and clearly limited availability.

Product Details

Technical Precision and Uncompromising Gold Quality

The coin was struck from exactly one ounce of 999.9 gold, achieving a fineness that meets the highest international standards. With a diameter of 32.10 mm, it lies perfectly balanced in the hand and conveys a sense of substance and lasting value from the very first touch. The brilliant uncirculated quality finish ensures sharply defined contours, brilliant surfaces, and even light reflection, allowing the motif to stand out with striking clarity. Production takes place under strictly controlled conditions at the Perth Mint, one of the world’s most respected minting institutions. Each coin is delivered in a protective capsule to ensure its flawless preservation over the long term. Precise weight, exceptional detail, and material purity make this issue a classic collector coin with a high level of trust in international trade.

Superior Fact:
For its gold coins made from 9999 gold, the Perth Mint uses a multi-stage minting process that ensures consistently high relief sharpness across the entire mintage.
Source: The Perth Mint

Motif and Design

Expressive Symbolism of the Monkey in Finest Engraving

The obverse depicts a monkey moving lively and attentively along a branch. The representation appears dynamic yet harmonious, with finely detailed fur textures and natural line work. Light and shadow play across the raised areas, giving the motif depth and an almost three-dimensional impression.

In the Chinese lunar calendar, the monkey is regarded as a symbol of intelligence, adaptability, and ingenuity. These qualities are reflected in the design and lend the coin a narrative character that goes far beyond a mere precious metal investment.

The reverse shows the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in a classic rendition, adding further numismatic authenticity to the coin.

Historical and Cultural Background

The Lunar I Series as a Cultural Collecting Heritage

The Lunar I Series from the Perth Mint was introduced in the late 1990s and marked a turning point in the international coin market. For the first time, the Chinese zodiac was implemented in a consistently well-conceived precious metal series that combined cultural depth with the highest minting standards. The series comprises twelve motifs, each assigned to a lunar year, and continues to enjoy high esteem among collectors worldwide.

The year 2004 represents the Year of the Monkey and is positioned as the ninth issue within the series. These later issues are increasingly sought after, as many collectors aim to complete their sets. The combination of Australian minting tradition and East Asian symbolism creates an intercultural value that makes these coins internationally tradable and widely referenced.

Exclusivity and Investment Value

Limited Gold Coin with a Sustainable Demand Profile

With a mintage of only 16,868 pieces, this issue is among the clearly limited gold coins of its series. Demand is driven not only by the gold value but also by the series character and the worldwide popularity of the Lunar motifs. Experienced investors appreciate this combination, as it unites a stable foundation with additional collector potential.

The one-ounce denomination facilitates resale and ensures broad market acceptance. At the same time, limited availability provides protection against inflationary dilution, as can occur with high mintages.

Secure one of the few examples of this strictly limited coin before it permanently disappears from the open market.

Special Features

Tangible Value Through Weight and Balance

One ounce of gold conveys an immediate sense of value and permanence. The balanced ratio of diameter to thickness provides a pleasant feel, creating trust and making the material value clearly tangible. Especially with physical gold investments, this sensation plays a decisive role, as it combines emotional security with rational calculability.

A weight of one ounce is internationally regarded as a reference unit in the precious metals trade. As a result, the coin remains liquid and easy to value at all times, regardless of market phase or region. For investors, this means price stability, while collectors benefit from the clearly defined unit.

What Makes This Coin Special?

The combination of Lunar I Series status, low mintage, and 9999 gold makes this Year of the Monkey issue an internationally recognized collector coin with a sustainable value profile.

Storage

At Superior Coins, your coin collection is especially dear to us. That’s why we developed our Superior Boxes with a unique, multifunctional inlay tailored perfectly to your needs. You can choose to store the inlay safely and space-efficiently in our compact Security Box, ideal for safe-deposit lockers, or place it in one of our elegantly designed presentation boxes.

This way, your collection remains protected in your private safe while allowing you to enjoy the beautiful display of your valuable pieces at any time with style and pride. Discover the variety of our high-quality boxes and experience how presentation and security come together perfectly at Superior Coins.

Delivery and Service

Decide for yourself whether your coin will be delivered in the original case or in one of our exclusive Superior Boxes. The numbered certificate of authenticity fits securely in both packaging options. Upon request, we can store your Superior Box in our in-house, fully insured vault until your collection is complete. Alternatively, you are welcome to send us your coins; we will place them with the utmost care into the designated Superior Box and gladly assist you in completing your collection.

Personal Support & Maximum Security

We provide you with comprehensive and personal advice at any time, to jointly assemble the optimal overall package tailored to your individual goals and wishes. You can also make use of our subscription service so that you never miss a new release in your collection.

Of course, you will receive all relevant documents from us, including meaningful images for your insurance, directly upon delivery.

Rely on our many years of experience, maximum reliability, and state-of-the-art security standards. Your valuable pieces are in the best hands with Superior Coins. We accompany you with the greatest care and personal service on your path to a unique and value-retaining collection.

FAQ

Your Questions, Competently Answered

  • What is the worldwide mintage of this gold coin?
    The mintage is limited to exactly 16,868 pieces, making this issue clearly limited and relevant to collectors within the Lunar I Series.
  • Is this coin suitable for long-term investment?
    Thanks to its high fineness, internationally recognized mint, and limited mintage, the coin offers a solid foundation for long-term precious metal strategies.
  • How should I optimally store the gold coin?
    A dry, temperature-stable environment without direct sunlight is ideal, and the original capsule should be used permanently.
  • Is this coin also suitable as a gift?
    The cultural background of the Lunar motif and the high-quality craftsmanship make this coin a valued gift with lasting worth.
  • Can I easily resell the coin later?
    Thanks to the one-ounce size and the high recognition of the Lunar Series, there is very good tradability on both national and international markets.

Did you know?

The Lunar I gold coins were the first of their kind to consistently translate the Chinese zodiac into pure investment gold, thereby shaping a global collector market.

Specifications

Delivery time (days)
2-3
Mint
Perth Mint
Country
Australia
Denomination
100
Currency
$
Year of issue
2004
Mintage
16.868
Delivery
In Capsule
Series
Lunar I
Fineness
999,9
Metal
Gold
Quality
Uncirculated
Weight in ounces
1
Gross weight in g
31,1
Diameter in mm
32,00
Deutsche Literatur Box

Superior Coins Newsletter

Stay one step ahead in the world of precious metals investing. Receive concise investment strategies, market updates, and information on new coins directly in your inbox.

Sign up for free now and stay informed.
By entering my email address and clicking the “Sign up” button, I agree to regularly receive information from Superior Coins by email. This includes information about new products, valuable market and precious metals insights, as well as exclusive offers. I consent to my email address being processed for the purpose of sending the newsletter. I may revoke this consent at any time without giving reasons, with effect for the future. Any processing carried out prior to revocation remains lawful.
Phone: +49 7131 20987-0
Email: service@superiorcoins.com

Superior Coins
is a business division of EMK Münzen + Edelmetalle GmbH

Do you have questions or need help?

Our team is happy to assist you personally with any questions, advice, or individual requests.
© Copyright 2026 Superior Coins. All rights reserved. Powered by Sana Commerce.
Logo South African Mint
Logo The Perth Mint
Logo Royal Canadian Mint
Logo Royal Australian Mint
Logo Münze Deutschland
Logo Austrian Mint
Logo Valcambi
Logo Heraeus
Phone: +49 2235 92737-70
Email: service@superiorcoins.com

Superior Coins
is a business division of EMK Münzen + Edelmetalle GmbH
Trusted Shops seal – buy coins online safely with buyer protection for collectible coins and precious metals License Zero packaging recycling seal – sustainable shipping for coins, precious metals and collectibles
Superior Coins Instagram – discover collectible coins, rare coins and precious metals
Logo Superior Coins
Our payment methods
Payment with Mastercard at Superior Coins Payment with Visa credit card at Superior Coins Payment by bank transfer at Superior Coins Payment with PayPal at Superior Coins Payment with Google Pay at Superior Coins Payment with Apple Pay at Superior Coins

Do you have questions or need help? 

Our team is happy to assist you personally with any questions, advice, or individual requests.
© Copyright 2026 Superior Coins. All rights reserved. Powered by Sana Commerce.