The Perth Mint of Australia continues its popular Lunar Series II program with the release of its 2014 Year of the Horse Gold and Silver Proof Coins.
These proof coins are struck to varying sizes from 99.99% pure gold or 99.9% pure silver. Shown on their reverses are images illustrating horses, reflective that 2014 is the "Year of the Horse" according to the Chinese zodiac.
The Perth Mint’s Lunar Series II debuted in 2008 and features annually changing coin designs that showcase one of the twelve creatures found in the Chinese zodiac. Designs on the new proofs also appear on companion coins from the Lunar 2014 Bullion Coin programs. The new 2014 Lunar Bullion Coins also make their debut appearance this month.
As for the numismatic proof coins, September finds gold and silver versions available individually and in three-coin sets.
Australian Lunar 2014 Year of the Horse Gold Proof Coins
A single horse is shown on the reverse of the 2014 Year of the Horse Gold Proof Coin. The design shows the creature in a stylized mountain and cloud scene with "Year of the Horse" inscribed below and the Chinese character for Horse above.
One ounce, 1/4 ounce and 1/10 ounce proof coins are available individually or together in a three-coin set. Each is struck from 99.99% pure gold.
Specifications for 2014 Year of the Horse Gold Proof Coins
| 1 oz | 1/4 oz | 1/10 oz | |
| Mintage | 3,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| Gold Content (Troy oz) | 1 | 0.25 | .10 |
| Face Value (AUD) | 100 | 25 | 15 |
| Fineness (% purity) | 99.99 | 99.99 | 99.99 |
| Minimum Gross Weight (g) | 31.112 | 7.777 | 3.111 |
| Maximum Diameter (mm) | 39.34 | 22.60 | 18.60 |
| Maximum Thickness (mm) | 2.50 | 2.20 | 2.00 |
A portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley graces their obverses. The Perth Mint places the gold coins in an oval-shaped, glossy black and timber-inspired display case. Numbered certificates of authenticity are included along with illustrated shippers.
Australian Lunar 2014 Year of the Horse Silver Proof Coins
Year of the Horse Silver Proof Coins are available individually in sizes of 1 kilo, 1 ounce and 1/2 ounce. The three-coin set includes the 1 ounce and 1/2 ounce coins as well as a 2 ounce version.
All of the strikes have the same basic reverse imagery of two horses in a rural river scene. Inscriptions include "Year of the Horse" along with the Chinese character for horse.
Specifications for 2014 Year of the Horse Silver Proof Coins
| 1 kilo | 2 oz | 1 oz | 1/2 oz | |
| Mintage | 500 | 1,000 | 5,000 | 8,000 |
| Silver Content (Troy oz) | 32.151 | 2 | 1 | 0.50 |
| Face Value (AUD) | 30 | 2 | 1 | 0.50 |
| Fineness (% purity) | 99.9 | 99.9 | 99.9 | 99.9 |
| Minimum Gross Weight (g) | 1003.002 | 62.270 | 31.135 | 15.573 |
| Maximum Diameter (mm) | 100.60 | 55.60 | 45.60 | 36.60 |
| Maximum Thickness (mm) | 14.60 | 3.60 | 2.60 | 2.30 |
Struck as legal tender under the Australia Currency Act of 1965, the obverse has the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. Inscriptions read "ELIZABETH II," "AUSTRALIA," "2014" and the face value and composition of the coin.
Perth Mint-branded display cases ship with each silver proof coin or set. These come inside an illustrated shipper that also has a numbered certificate of authenticity.
The 2014 Australian Lunar Year of the Horse Gold and Silver Proof Coins and sets may be purchased directly from the Perth Mint of Australia.
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