Product Description
- 4th issue of the renowned Lunar I Series from The Perth Mint
- 1 ounce of 999.9 pure gold in brilliant uncirculated quality
- Limited mintage: 30,000 pieces worldwide
- Final mintage: 18,261 pieces worldwide (without guarantee)
- Delivered in a coin capsule for optimal protection
This gold coin from the Lunar I Series combines the highest minting artistry with the deeply rooted symbolism of the Chinese lunar calendar and appeals equally to collectors and investors with an appreciation for cultural significance and intrinsic value.
Product Details
Precise gold craftsmanship in classic brilliant uncirculated quality
Struck from one ounce of 999.9 fine gold, this issue impresses with exceptional material purity and a clear, brilliant surface. The diameter of 32.10 millimeters gives the coin a well-balanced proportion that is convincing both visually and tactilely. The brilliant uncirculated quality ensures sharp contours and uniform light reflection, allowing every detail to remain clearly visible. Production took place under strictly controlled conditions at The Perth Mint, one of the most respected mints in the world. Each coin is delivered in a protective capsule to preserve the surface permanently. The precise weight of one ounce ensures that this collector’s coin also meets the highest standards as a physical investment.
Superior Fact:
The Perth Mint uses state-of-the-art minting technology with multiple quality control stages for its gold coins, ensuring consistently high detail depth and dimensional accuracy.
Source: The Perth Mint
Motif and Design
Finely detailed symbolism of the Year of the Rabbit
The reverse depicts a rabbit sitting calmly in the grass, radiating alertness and gentleness. The line work is soft yet precise, giving the motif a lively appearance. Fine engravings in the fur and surrounding elements capture the light elegantly, adding depth and a sense of movement to the design.
In the Chinese zodiac, the rabbit is regarded as a symbol of intelligence, sensitivity, and diplomatic skill. These qualities are reflected in the calm composition of the motif. The design was created by Louise Pinder and is characterized by a harmonious balance between rich detail and clarity.
The obverse features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, based on the design by Raphael Maklouf. The image is complemented by the face value and the indication of purity, clearly emphasizing the sovereign authority and authenticity of the coin.
Historical and Cultural Background
The Lunar I Series as a cultural bridge between East and West
The Lunar I Series of The Perth Mint began in 1996 and is based on the Chinese lunar calendar, which has shaped life and culture across large parts of Asia for centuries. Each year is dedicated to an animal whose characteristics are considered influential for those born in that year.
The Year of the Rabbit traditionally stands for peace, prosperity, and harmonious coexistence. Particularly in Asian culture, the rabbit is regarded as a symbol of good fortune and long life. Incorporating this symbolism into an Australian gold coin makes the series internationally sought after and culturally multifaceted.
The 1999 issue marks the fourth release of the series and is considered one of the early mintages that laid the foundation for the later global success of the Lunar gold coins.
Exclusivity and Investment Value
Limited gold coin with sustainable collector interest
With a worldwide mintage of only 18,261 pieces, this issue is among the clearly limited gold coins of the Lunar I Series. The combination of an early position within the series, high gold purity, and international demand gives the coin a stable value profile. For investors, one ounce of gold offers a proven foundation for long-term wealth preservation. Collectors also value the cultural significance and the inclusion in a completed series, whose full sets are becoming increasingly difficult to assemble.
Secure one of the few available examples of this strictly limited gold coin before it disappears from the market permanently.
Special Features
Tangible substance and convincing presence
The weight of one ounce gives the coin an immediately perceptible sense of value. In the hand, it conveys a feeling of density and stability that inspires confidence and makes the quality of the material instantly tangible.
This physical presence plays a decisive role in price stability and resale potential. Standardized units such as the gold ounce are recognized worldwide and can be transparently valued at any time. The combination of weight, purity, and sovereign guarantee ensures that this coin convinces both emotionally and rationally.
What makes this coin special?
As an early and strictly limited issue of the Lunar I Series, it combines cultural symbolism with the lasting value of 9999 gold.
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.
So 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.