The Royal Canadian Mint expands its popular series of strikes celebrating the Chinese zodiac with six new precious metal releases. These new 2014 Year of the Horse Gold and Silver Coins each feature a reverse design emblematic of a horse and its place as one of the twelve creatures in the zodiac.
Two of the new Year of the Horse Coins are struck from gold with one in 18-karat and the other composed of 99.99% pure gold. The other four precious metal coins are featured in 99.99% pure silver, ranging from one-half ounce up to one kilogram in size.
"An annual tribute to Canada’s multiculturalism is renewed with a treasure trove of coins featuring the Chinese lunar calendar’s Year of the Horse, whose symbolism of life, liberty and happiness, as well as its physical and mental agility, will be widely celebrated in Canada in 2014," states a coin news release from the Royal Canadian Mint.
The Year of the Horse of the Chinese zodiac calendar runs from January 13, 2014 through February 18, 2015. Those born in the year are said to be active and energetic with their quick-wit making them popular in crowds. Unfortunately, they are also believed to be hot-headed and quick tempered with selfish tendencies.
Other creatures in the Chinese zodiac include the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. The history of the zodiac dates back millennia.
2014 Year of the Horse Pure Gold One Kilogram Coin
The 2014 Year of the Horse Pure Gold One Kilogram Coin is struck from one kilogram of 99.99% pure gold. The $2,500 face value coin features a limited mintage with just 18 available worldwide.
On the reverse of the coin, an image of a single rearing horse is offered as designed by Three Degrees Creative Group. Pricing of the strike is listed as CAD $69,000.00 with orders accepted via phone only.
2014 Year of the Horse 18-Karat Gold Coin
A more affordable gold option is the 2014 Year of the Horse 18-Karat Gold Coin. Up to 2,500 of these $150 face value strikes will be issued with current pricing listed as CAD $688.88.
Each of these 28mm coins features a stylized image of a horse on its reverse with Aries Cheung responsible for the design. Composition of the strike is 75% gold and 25% silver.
2014 Year of the Horse Pure Silver One Kilogram Coin
Also available is the 2014 Year of the Horse Pure Silver One Kilogram Coin. This strike offers the same reverse image of a single rearing horse as on the coin’s kilogram gold counterpart.
Current pricing on this silver coin is listed as CAD $2,249.95. They feature a legal tender face value of 250 Dollars and a mintage cap of just 388.
2014 Year of the Horse 1 Oz Fine Silver Coin
Aries Cheung’s stylized image of a horse also appears on the 2014 Year of the Horse 1 Oz Fine Silver Coin. The $15 face value coin is struck to proof quality from 99.99% pure silver.
Mintage of the release is 28,888. The Royal Canadian Mint is currently offering them to the public for CAD $98.88.
2014 Year of the Horse Lunar Lotus 1 Oz Silver Coin
A galloping horse is depicted on the reverse of the 2014 Year of the Horse Lunar Lotus 1 Oz Silver Coin with a design by Three Degrees Creative Group. As indicated by the name, the 99.99% pure silver coin is struck to a lotus shape as the 5th release in a 12-coin series.
The Royal Canadian Mint indicates the maximum mintage for the Lotus silver coin is 28,888. Pricing is listed as CAD $98.88.
2014 Year of the Horse 1/2 Oz Fine Silver Coin
Offered as the most affordable option in the line-up is the 2014 Year of the Horse 1/2 Oz Fine Silver Coin. Canadian artist Simon Ng created a reverse design which depicts a close-up of a horse.
The $10 face value coin features a maximum mintage of 58,888 with current pricing listed as CAD $39.95.
Additional information and ordering is available via the Royal Canadian Mint’s website from here. Phone orders are accepted at 1-800-267-1871 (Canada) or 1-800-268-6468 (US).
Because four silver renditions for a single theme is such a great idea. Roll the dice or buy them all and get stuck with the losers. Such are the choices of the modern numismatist.