1996 1 oz Australian Gold Lunar Rat Coin (BU)

Description

1996 1 oz Australian Gold Lunar Rat Coin (BU)

The Perth Mint recently concluded its popular Lunar Series II collection in 2019 and with 24 different designs out there from the two collective lunar-themed series, there is always a chance to collect the coins in this coveted program. The Perth Mint’s original Lunar Series program launched in 1996 with the first year of the lunar calendar, the Year of the Rat. The 1996 1 oz Australian Gold Rat Coin is currently available to you for purchase online.

Coin Highlights:

• Coins arrive inside of protective plastic capsules!
• 1^st issue of the Lunar Series I collection!
• Limited mintage of only 16,593 coins!
• Contains 1 Troy oz of .9999 pure gold in BU condition.
• Issued a face value of $100 (AUD) by Australia.
• On the obverse is Queen Elizabeth II.
• Reverse includes the distinctive Year of the Rat design.

You’ll find that the Lunar Series I coins have lower mintage figures than their successors in the Lunar Series II collection. These 1996 1 oz Australian Gold Rat coins had the second lowest mintage of either series at just 16,593 coins in total. Each one is available to you in Brilliant Uncirculated condition with a protective capsule to house the coin.

The Lunar Series I collection debuted in 1996 with this Year of the Rat issue. The Perth Mint followed the exact order of the 12-year Chinese lunar calendar, cycling from the Year of the Rat (year 1) to the Year of the Pig (year 12). These 1996 Australian Gold Rat Coins launched a craze among gold buyers that continued through the second series.

On the reverse of 1996 1 oz Australian Gold Rat Coins is the image of the Year of the Rat design. This debut design in the series was created by Tony Dean and features the image of a rat climbing along some small rocks. The Chinese character for rat is included and the coins have a beaded design rim. Other markings include the year of issue, weight, purity, and metal content of the coins.

The obverse side of 1996 Australian Gold Rat Coins features the third-generation design of Queen Elizabeth II. Originally created in 1984 by Raphael Maklouf for the Royal Mint, the design was in use on British coinage through 1997 and was also used on various coin programs for Commonwealth nations. This right-profile portrait is a very ornate design and captures the Queen wearing the Royal Diadem crown, earrings, and a necklace. Engravings include the face value, nation of issue, and the Queen’s name.

1 oz Australian Gold Lunar Rat Coin 1 oz Australian Gold Lunar Rat Coin 1 oz Australian Gold Lunar Rat Coin