Lunar I

Lunar Series I gold coins as a form of investment

The Lunar I Series gold coins can be found in the Orovilla store in all editions from 1996, the year of the mouse, to 2007, the year of the pig.

The value engraved on the coins is in Australian dollars, but this is just the face value, which is quite different from the real value of the bullion coin, which is based instead on gold prices at the time of purchase.

With a pure gold content of 999.9/1000, the Lunar I coins are legal tender according to the Australian government.

Lunar I Series gold coins, an oriental story

Lunar I Series gold coins are particularly popular with collectors and investors, and the Australian Perth Mint is among the finest mints in the world.

The appeal of these coins comes from the symbolism they represent. The Chinese astrological calendar, the Sheng Xiao, has a history stretching back thousands of years. It is divided into twelve cyclical years associated with twelve animals, six domestic and six wild: the rat, the ox, the tiger, the rabbit, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the goat, the monkey, the rooster, the dog and the pig.

Some animals of the zodiac are connected to the daily life of the ancient Chinese and other animals have symbolic meaning. The ox, the horse, the goat, the rooster, the pig and the dog are six of the domestic animals kept by the Chinese people and, according to an ancient Chinese saying, the prosperity of these six animals symbolises the prosperity of the family. The remaining six animals, on the other hand, are worshipped by the Chinese population and each has a symbolic meaning.

The succession of animals is based on the philosophical principle of yin and yang and is intended to bring balance and unity through the specific characteristics of each animal. In fact, the animals are ordered according to the odd and even numbers of their claws and are arranged in an alternating sequence. Generally, the animals have the same number of front and hind claws but, for example, the first animal (the mouse) has four claws on its four front legs while, on its hind legs, it has five.

The characteristics of the Lunar Series I coins

The Lunar I Series investment coins are made of 999.9/1000 pure 24-karat gold. These gold coins are an important and safe investment, a true safe haven for any investment portfolio.

While the reverse features an animal from the Chinese astrological calendar, the obverse is engraved with the unmistakable portrait of Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Surrounding the effigy of the sovereign is the inscription ELIZABETH II - AUSTRALIA, and at the bottom is the face value of the coin. Queen Elizabeth also appears on the Australian Kangaroo, another famous and popular investment coin minted by the Perth Mint.

These coins are minted in different sizes, 2 oz, 1 oz, ½ oz, ¼ oz, 1/10 oz and 1/20 oz and in the Orovilla shop you will find the one ounce version. For the 2004 edition (monkey) there is also a ½ ounce version.

Interesting facts about Lunar Series I coins

The gold coins of the Lunar I Series are among the most fascinating and sought-after coins on the market. A fascination that is certainly given by the link with the Chinese calendar and the engraved animals, which are different every year.

For example, the 2000 edition depicts the traditional Chinese dragon, a long, scaly serpentine creature with a pearl of wisdom, designed by Tony Dean.

The last Chinese year of the Dragon was 2012, as well as 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988 and 2000. Many Chinese families dream of having a 'Dragon' child, a majestic animal from Chinese mythology, which has always been associated with the Emperor and linked to the idea of power. So much so that in the past few Dragon years (especially 2000 and 2012) there has been a remarkable increase in births in China! As much as it may sound like superstition, the Chinese horoscope actually influences society much more than we think.

Another of the most popular coins in the Lunar I Series is the Horse. This coin, released in 2002, depicts a horse at a trot with the word horse and the traditional Perth mint sign P written in Chinese. People born in the year of the Horse are extremely active and energetic, always ready to react to stimuli. Horses love to be in company and usually enjoy being among people, at concerts, the theatre, sporting and social events and especially at parties.

Why buy an Australian Lunar I Series gold coin

Lunar I Series coins are a great purchase to add to a collection or investment portfolio. Gold has always been one of the safest precious metals for investment and has proven to perform well even in times of conflict or economic instability.

Gold coinage actually represents a reserve of cash to be used in times of need.

The Lunar Series coins are particularly beautiful and valuable:

• pure gold content 999.9/1000, equal to 24 carats;
• a coin featuring an animal from the Chinese calendar is issued each year;
• the Australian Mint is among the most valuable and important;

• with Orovilla, shipping is secure, confidential and insured.

Given the great success of the Lunar Series I, the Perth Mint has released the Lunar Series II and Lunar Series III.

Gifting a gold coin: the oriental charm of the Lunar I Series

Gifting a gold coin is a rapidly growing trend. Besides being a very precious gift, it represents a form of investment in the future.

How do you choose the right Lunar Series gold coin when you need to make an important gift? The meaning of the animals and related years in the Chinese horoscope are crucial for making a thoughtful choice.

For a christening, it is certainly a good idea to give the coin that represents the year of the baby's birth. In the Chinese calendar, for example, a baby born in 2018 is of the sign of the dog, a faithful and loving animal, loyal and selfless. The wish is for a happy, healthy and peaceful life.

On the other hand, it is possible to choose the sign to give to a person we care about in a special way based on the characteristics of the animal represented, as a good luck wish for an anniversary or a particularly important event, such as retirement or graduation.

The ox, the horse, the goat, the rooster, the pig and the dog are six of the domesticated animals bred by the Chinese population. They represent prosperity, wealth and family fortune.

Also not to be underestimated is the convenience of buying the coin, which is exempt from VAT as it is investment gold.

The fine Perth Mint produces, in addition to the Lunar Series, prized gold coins and bars such as the Lunar Dragon, the James Bond 007 and the iconic Australian Kangaroo coin. Gold coins remain an original gift and an ever-safe investment with a truly important story to tell and pass on.

How to resell your Lunar I Series coins

You can disinvest your Lunar I Series coins at any time. Orovilla buys investment gold coins: all common gold coins, coin collections, and rare and collector gold coins.

At the time of purchase we appraise the coins, check them carefully for gold content, authenticity and condition.

The possibility of selling physical gold in any form and state of preservation, at any time and place, is its advantage over other forms of investment.