2016-09-30 Fri

The Royal Mint issued the fourth coin belonging to the Lunar Year Series on 16th September which celebrates the Chinese New Year as per the lunar calendar. Every lunar year is associated with the 12 animals whose characteristics match to those born in that year. Rooster or Cockerel is the animal which is linked to the next lunar year which starts from 28th January 2017.

The coins are issued in various varieties like the gold coins come in Brilliant Uncirculated tenth-ounce coins, and as one-ounce, five-ounce, and one-kilo Proofs. Silver Proofs come in one and five ounces, and in one kilo. Mintage limit features the number 8, which is lucky in many Asian cultures.

The reverse features a British breed of rooster with sea-thrift in the background. The obverse features the common portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The Mintage Limit of the £2 .999 silver 31.21 g Proof coin is 3,888, that of £10 .999 silver 156.295 Proof coin is 388; all other coins have varying mintage limits. Only 8 £1,000 .9999 gold 1005 g Proof coins have been issued.

The coins will be shipped in a special packaging along with an informative booklet about the coin and the Chinese New Year.