Australian Lunar: Investment Gold Coin with the Chinese Zodiac
The Australian Lunar series from The Perth Mint is one of the most popular investment gold coins in the world. Each year it features one of the animals of the Chinese zodiac, it is struck in fine gold and, thanks to its limited mintage, it combines investment value with collector appeal.
What is the Australian Lunar series
Lunar is the flagship series of The Perth Mint, one of the most prestigious mints in the world. The design follows the Chinese lunar calendar – a different animal each year (rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, pig). The series runs in twelve-year cycles:
- Lunar I – 1996 to 2007,
- Lunar II – 2008 to 2019 (including, for example, the Year of the Monkey 2016),
- Lunar III – 2020 to 2031 (currently, for example, the Year of the Goat 2027).
We present the current Lunar III issue in Australian Lunar III Year of the Goat 2027, and write about the mint itself in The Story of The Perth Mint.
Lunar gold coin specifications (1 oz)
- Metal and fineness: gold 999.9/1000,
- Weight: 1 troy ounce (31.1 g),
- Mint: The Perth Mint (Australia),
- Face value: AUD 100 (legal tender in Australia),
- Condition: new, uncirculated, in a protective capsule.
The coin is also struck in other weights (e.g. 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz). Our current range is in the Australian Lunar III and Australian Lunar II series.
Limited mintage and collector value
Lunar gold coins are struck in a limited mintage per year. This limited availability and the changing design create a collector premium above the pure gold price for some years. How the premium works is explained in the article Premium on gold.
Investment or collectable?
Lunar sits between both worlds: it is pure investment gold with international tradability, yet it also appeals with its design and limited mintage. For a pure investment in gold weight, standard bullion coins and bars are usually cheaper; choose Lunar if you also value the theme and the potential for a collector premium. The difference is explained in detail in the article Numismatic vs. bullion coins.
Authenticity and storage
Always buy coins new and from a trusted dealer, ideally in their original capsule. How to verify authenticity is summarised in the article How to verify the authenticity of investment gold. To preserve their value, do not clean the coins and keep them in their capsule.
Lunar as a gift
Thanks to its themed design, Lunar is a popular gift – especially in the year of the recipient’s zodiac sign. Tips are in the article Gold as a gift.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lunar gold coin exempt from VAT?
Yes. Investment gold is exempt from VAT in the EU, and this also applies to Lunar gold coins.
Is Lunar worth it as an investment?
As physical gold, yes; it also has the potential for a collector premium. Expect a higher premium than on standard bullion coins, though.
Which year should I choose?
For investment, weight and price per gram are what matter. Collectors choose by design (zodiac sign) and the availability of the year.
Conclusion
Australian Lunar elegantly combines investment gold with a collector series popular worldwide. Browse our gold coins, for example the 1 oz Lunar III Year of the Goat 2027 or the 1 oz Lunar II Year of the Monkey 2016.
About the author
Adolf Baumann, analyst at Baumann Group a.s. (GOLDU), has been working with precious metals for over 30 years. He has seen euphoria, crashes and panic on the markets – and he still enjoys it. He explains in plain language what moves the price of gold and silver and how to handle them without unnecessary mistakes. His weakness? He refuses to wear a suit.
