Australian Lunar III Year of the Goat 2027: Perth Mint Gold Coin
The Chinese Year of the Goat begins on 6 February 2027, and Australia’s The Perth Mint has dedicated the eighth release of its Australian Lunar III series to it. The coin is struck from pure gold, the one-ounce version has a fixed mintage cap, and GOLDU offers it in three weights – 1 Oz, 1/2 Oz and 1/4 Oz. In this article we look at what sets the 2027 issue apart, how the price per gram differs between the weights and which version suits you best.
The Year of the Fire Goat 2027
In the Chinese calendar, the Year of the Goat runs from 6 February 2027 to 25 January 2028. Because the twelve animals are combined with five elements, this one is the Fire Goat – a pairing that comes round only once every sixty years. The goat (sometimes translated as sheep or ram) stands for calm, kindness, creativity and family harmony. For anyone born in a Year of the Goat (for example 1979, 1991, 2003 or 2015), the coin makes a popular personal gift.
Design and security feature
The reverse is the work of Australian artist Wade Robinson. It shows a goat standing proudly on a mountain plain, with rugged country and a single lone tree rising behind it. The design is completed by the Chinese character for goat, the inscription GOAT 2027 and the letter P – The Perth Mint’s mintmark. The obverse carries the portrait of King Charles III by Dan Thorne, together with the weight, fineness and face value.
A microscopic letter is also hidden in the reverse design and can only be seen under magnification. It is one of the coin’s anti-counterfeiting features. What the fineness and hallmark details on gold actually mean is explained in How to read fineness and markings on gold.
Specifications of all three weights
| Specification | 1 Oz | 1/2 Oz | 1/4 Oz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine gold weight | 31.1 g | 15.55 g | 7.78 g |
| Fineness | 999.9/1000 Au | 999.9/1000 Au | 999.9/1000 Au |
| Face value | AUD 100 | AUD 50 | AUD 25 |
| Diameter × thickness | 32.6 × 2.95 mm | – | – |
| Mintage | capped at 30,000 | unlimited | unlimited |
| Packaging | plastic capsule | plastic capsule | plastic capsule |
In total, the mint strikes the goat in gold in seven weights from 1/20 Oz to 10 Oz. Only the one-ounce coin has a fixed mintage cap, however; the other weights are struck until production of the year closes. That cap is the main reason the 1 Oz version is the one collectors want most.
What a gram of gold costs in each version
With bullion coins, the usual rule of thumb is that a bigger piece means a lower price per gram. The 2027 issue doesn’t quite follow it – based on GOLDU prices on 13 September 2026, the half ounce comes out best:
| Version | Price | Price per gram |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Oz Year of the Goat 2027 | $4,652.89 | about $149.6/g |
| 1/2 Oz Year of the Goat 2027 | $2,318.97 | about $149.1/g |
| 1/4 Oz Year of the Goat 2027 | $1,173.54 | about $150.9/g |
Prices change several times a day with the gold price and exchange rates, so always check the current figure on the product page. Why the price per gram varies between weights and brands is explained in Premium on gold: why the price per gram differs.
Which version to choose
| If you are… | Recommended version | Why |
|---|---|---|
| a collector | 1 Oz | the only one capped at 30,000 coins and the most sought after by collectors |
| an investor who wants the most gold for the money | 1/2 Oz | lowest price per gram of the three on 13 Sept 2026 |
| buying a gift on a smaller budget | 1/4 Oz | the same design for a quarter of the price, ideal for a Year of the Goat birthday |
| an investor buying regularly | 1/2 Oz or 1/4 Oz | smaller pieces are easier to sell off in parts later |
If all you care about is getting as much gold as possible for a given amount, regardless of the design, compare the goat with standard bullion coins in the gold coins category. For general guidance, see How to choose an investment gold coin.
The goat in the Lunar III series
The Perth Mint’s third Lunar series began in 2020 with the mouse and will end in 2031 with the pig. Every year brings a completely new design, so no two years in the collection are alike. The goat is the eighth release:
| Year | Animal | Year | Animal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Mouse | 2026 | Horse |
| 2021 | Ox | 2027 | Goat |
| 2022 | Tiger | 2028 | Monkey |
| 2023 | Rabbit | 2029 | Rooster |
| 2024 | Dragon | 2030 | Dog |
| 2025 | Snake | 2031 | Pig |
Earlier years from the previous series are in the Lunar II filter, for example the 1 Oz Lunar II Year of the Monkey 2016. The 1 Oz Australian Kangaroo 2016 comes from the same mint. The mint’s history is told in Story of The Perth Mint, and all its products are listed under the The Perth Mint brand.
Investment or collector’s piece?
The 2027 goat is both. Legally, it is investment gold: with a fineness of 999.9/1000 and legal tender status, it is exempt from VAT in the EU (special scheme for investment gold, Articles 344–356 of the EU VAT Directive), and its value is driven mainly by the gold price. The design – and, for the 1 Oz, the capped mintage – adds a collectible dimension that has allowed some Lunar years to command a premium over their metal value over time. Such a premium is not guaranteed, though, and you should not count on it when you sell. Whether a bar or a coin suits you better is covered in Gold bar or gold coin.
What to keep in mind when you eventually sell is described in How to safely sell investment gold. You can browse the full range under investment gold.
Storage and gifting
Don’t take the coin out of its capsule or clean it – fingerprints or small scratches won’t reduce the metal value, but collectors will offer less for it when you sell. As a gift, the goat works well for a Year of the Goat birthday, for Chinese New Year or as the first coin in a Lunar III collection.
Frequently asked questions
Is every Year of the Goat 2027 coin limited?
No. The 30,000-coin cap applies only to the 1 Oz version. The half and quarter ounce are struck without a fixed limit until production of the year closes.
Is VAT charged on the coin?
No. It is investment gold with a fineness of 999.9/1000, which is exempt from VAT in the EU.
When does the Year of the Goat start?
Chinese New Year falls on 6 February 2027, and the Year of the Fire Goat lasts until 25 January 2028.
Which version has the lowest price per gram?
On 13 September 2026 the 1/2 Oz version came out best (about $149.1/g), followed by the 1 Oz, with the 1/4 Oz the most expensive. The order can change with the gold price, so check current prices on the product pages.
How can I tell a genuine coin?
Buy from a reputable dealer and keep the coin in its capsule. Under magnification you can find a microscopic letter engraved on the reverse; further checks include weight and dimensions.
Conclusion
The Australian Lunar III Year of the Goat 2027 combines pure gold from a renowned mint with a design that will not be repeated in the series. Collectors will reach for the capped 1 Oz, those who want the most gold for their money will choose the 1/2 Oz, and the 1/4 Oz makes a great gift on a smaller budget. All three are available in the GOLDU gold coins range.
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.
