Product Description
- First issue of the renowned Lunar III Series
- 1 ounce of 999.5 pure platinum in proof quality
- Limited mintage of only 188 pieces worldwide
- With numbered certificate of authenticity
- Delivered in the original case of the Perth Mint
This platinum coin marks the beginning of the Perth Mint’s Lunar III Series with the Year of the Mouse and represents the launch of a new generation of modern collector’s pieces. The combination of artistic design and strictly limited mintage grants this issue a distinguished position within international numismatics.
Product Details
Precision, purity, and masterful craftsmanship
Struck from one ounce of 999.5 platinum in proof quality, this coin is presented as an expression of the highest technical refinement. Its surface combines mirrored fields with the finest matte textures, giving the motif a sculptural appearance and producing an appealing sense of depth. With a diameter of 32.60 millimeters, the coin sits harmoniously proportioned in the hand, reflecting the meticulous calibration of all production parameters. The Perth Mint has stood for precise precious-metal craftsmanship for decades, evident in its flawless edge, clean lines, and exact metal distribution. Every single coin undergoes rigorous inspection before final release to ensure uncompromising quality for collectors and investors.
Superior Fact:
The Perth Mint employs special high-gloss polishing techniques for its proof strikes, resulting in some of the world’s most precise surfaces in modern collector coins.
(Source: The Perth Mint)
Motif and Design
Symbolism in artistic engraving
The motif depicts a mouse climbing a wheat stalk, creating a scene full of lightness and natural elegance. The fine lines of the stalk and the delicate textures of the fur appear especially vivid through the proof finish whenever light glides across the surface. The Chinese character for mouse frames the design with cultural depth, connecting the coin to the millennia-old zodiac tradition. The linework is balanced and precise, with each reflection enhancing the three-dimensional effect of the motif and making even the smallest details clearly visible.
The reverse features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, emphasizing the official character of the coin. The clear typography of denomination and fineness supports the aesthetic balance and highlights the numismatic significance of the issue.
Historical and Cultural Background
The significance of the first zodiac sign
The mouse stands at the beginning of the Chinese zodiac cycle and is traditionally associated with intelligence, strategic thinking, and a keen sense for opportunity. In many Asian cultures, it is regarded as a symbol of promising new beginnings. The choice of the mouse as the inaugural motif of the Lunar III Series reflects this cultural meaning and translates it into a modern, high-quality collector coin. The Perth Mint continues a long-established tradition, as the Lunar Series has ranked among the world’s most sought-after coin programs for many years, uniting cultural symbolism with exceptional minting artistry.
Exclusivity and Investment Value
Strict limitation with long-term perspective
Only 188 pieces of this issue are released worldwide, creating a unique form of exclusivity in the platinum segment. Many collectors appreciate the combination of a low mintage, high precious-metal purity, and sophisticated motif. Investors, in turn, recognize this coin as a tangible asset with substance, as platinum is historically considered both a robust industrial metal and a precious metal with potential for value appreciation. The proof finish further increases its desirability, appealing to buyers seeking first-class collector coins. Secure one of the few pieces of this strictly limited issue before it sells out.