Product Description

• 1st issue of the renowned Lunar I Series by The Perth Mint
• 1 ounce of 999.9 pure gold in brilliant uncirculated quality
• Limited mintage: 30,000 pieces worldwide
• Final mintage: 16,593 pieces worldwide (without guarantee)
• Delivered in a coin capsule for optimal protection

The 1 oz Gold Coin Lunar I Year of the Rat 1996 is an iconic gold coin that unites numismatic history, cultural symbolism, and substantial value retention. This issue marks the beginning of one of the world’s most significant coin series and therefore holds a special status for discerning collectors and investors.

Product Details

Technical Precision from the Purest Investment Gold

Struck from one ounce of 999.9 pure gold, this coin embodies the highest metallurgical quality. The fine gold not only gives the coin its material value, but also ensures an exceptionally clear surface structure. With a diameter of 32.1 millimeters and a face value of 100 dollars, it rests balanced and present in the hand. The brilliant uncirculated quality provides crisp contours, clean relief edges, and a uniform play of reflection across raised and recessed surfaces. Each coin was produced under strictly controlled conditions, ensuring dimensional accuracy, fidelity of detail, and long-term value preservation.

Motif and Design

Expressive Symbolism of the Chinese Zodiac Sign

The rat motif marks the beginning of the Chinese zodiac and traditionally represents intelligence, adaptability, and prosperity. On the obverse, the rat is depicted in a natural, lively posture, set within a finely structured environment that lends depth and movement to the design. The line work appears precise yet organic, allowing light reflections to glide gently across the gold surface. Fine engravings emphasize fur texture, facial expression, and body posture, giving the animal an almost tangible presence.

The reverse features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in a classic rendition, framed by clear typography. The interplay between cultural motif and state symbolism lends the coin international acceptance and timeless elegance.

Historical and Cultural Background

Beginning of a Modern Collecting Legend

The year 1996 marks the launch of The Perth Mint’s Lunar I Series, which for the first time consistently translated the Chinese lunar calendar into an annual gold and silver coin program. By choosing the rat as the first motif, the series follows the traditional sequence of the Chinese zodiac signs. In Chinese culture, the rat is regarded as a symbol of cleverness, strategic thinking, and economic success.

The early Lunar I Series enjoys a special reputation today, as it was created before the global boom of modern themed coins. Many issues from this series have since become difficult to obtain, further reinforcing their status as historically significant collector coins.

Exclusivity and Investment Value

Limited Availability with Sustainable Demand Potential

With a mintage of only 16,593 pieces, this gold coin ranks among the strictly limited issues of its time. In particular, the first issue of a successful series tends to experience especially stable market demand. The combination of limited quantity, high gold purity, and the international reputation of The Perth Mint creates a solid foundation for long-term value development.

For investors, the coin offers the advantage of a globally recognized precious metal standard, while collectors appreciate the historic first year of the Lunar I Series. Secure one of the few remaining examples of this strictly limited gold coin before it permanently disappears from the open market.

Special Features

Weight, Substance, and Tangible Value

One ounce of gold conveys an immediate sense of substance and durability. The balanced weight ensures a confident feel in the hand, making the material value instantly perceptible. In practice, the standard weight of one ounce results in high liquidity upon resale, as it is internationally established and easy to value. Price stability and market transparency benefit from this standardization, making the coin attractive both for long-term holders and for flexible investors.

What Makes This Coin Special?

As the first issue of the Lunar I Series, it combines historical significance, cultural symbolism, and ultra-pure investment gold in a strictly limited collector coin.

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 bewahren Sie Ihre Sammlung geschützt im heimischen Tresor auf und genießen gleichzeitig jederzeit den Anblick Ihrer wertvollen Stücke mit Stil und Stolz. Entdecken Sie jetzt die Vielfalt unserer hochwertigen Boxen und erleben Sie, wie Präsentation und Sicherheit bei Superior Coins perfekt harmonieren.

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

• How high is the worldwide mintage of this gold coin?
  The mintage is exactly 16,593 pieces, making it a comparatively rare gold coin within modern series.
• Is the coin suitable for long-term value investment?
  Thanks to its fineness of 999.9 gold, international tradability, and status as a first-year issue, it provides a stable foundation for long-term value orientation.
• How is the coin delivered?
  The coin is delivered carefully packaged and protected, ensuring that condition and surface quality are preserved over the long term.
• Can the coin be resold easily?
  Thanks to standardized weight, high fineness, and the worldwide reputation of The Perth Mint, tradability is assured at all times.