2019 YEAR OF THE PIG: A GUIDE TO THE GOLD & SILVER LUNAR COINS

The eighth coin in this lunar series to be released, these are higher end numismatics of five ounces in weight, the gold especially so. The highlight feature here is the center section of the reverse face, which is carved from mother of pearl. The effect is pretty well done and the choice of pink is pretty appropriate given the subject.

Designed by Three Degrees Creative Group, the scallop-edged coin offers a pleasing profile portrait of the smiling Pig. This depiction highlights the animal’s traditional character and associations in Chinese astrology: friendship, courage, confidence, and resourcefulness. In this treatment, the happy-go-lucky Pig is surrounded by a semi-circle of lovely good-luck blossoms. In the polished field above the central image is the Chinese character for “pig.”

The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.  Your coin is encapsulated and housed in a gold satin-like covered case with a custom red sleeve.

Designed by Canadian artist Aries Cheung, your coin depicts the ever-positive Pig smiling under a raincloud. The image captures the essence of the animal’s character: courageous, resourceful, and confident no matter what it faces. Neither rain nor storm can keep a Pig down; they greet adversity with a smile and the will to forge ahead! Stylized swirls reminiscent of the animal’s corkscrew tail lend the image charm and movement. The Pig is flanked by the Chinese character for ‘pig.’

Another series from German dealer MDM and one also in its eighth year, this series is distinguished by a small central pearl, in the case of the 2019 coin, a pink freshwater one. Like previous years the animals, this year a pair of facing papercut pigs, are highlighted with 24kt gold. They come in a box with a certificate.

Carrying on the all-new 2018 debuted series, the 2019 selection has the same three 10 and 20 euro currencies in silver, 50 euro in gold. The reliefof the 20 euro coin is decent, with a height of 1.50 mm (usually the reliefs of currency do not exceed 0.15 mm). The mintage of both silver issues has however, halved from last year. Conversely, the gold has risen from 500 to 888 pieces.

REVERSE: On the obverse, surrounded by a pattern inspired by Chinese traditional arts, the pig flies out from the middle of the coin. The wording « Year of the Pig » surrounds the design. An ideogram realized by a Chinese Calligraphy Master is also displayed.

OBVERSE: Coming to surround the two gates of a temple on which are inscribed the initials RF of French Republic, a screen, decorated with the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac, represented several times each; At the ends, along the listel, the years 2018 to 2029; Face value 10 EURO top left, on two lines. Legend CHINESE CALENDAR

The eighth release in the current Lunar Cycle, these are produced by large German dealer MDM. This is now the seventh year that this attractive series, again from MDM, has been released. The highlight feature here is a Burmese jade ring carrying gilded lettering in English and Chinese. In the centre sits a gilded representation of a pig in a realistic style. The border carries an alternating mix of stylised pigs and patterns, all in what MDM term a ‘papercut-style”. The coin is two ounces in weight and has the nicely detailed emblem of the The Lao People’s Democratic Republic on the obverse.

Burmese Jade, called Jadeite, is considered the finest in the world and believed precious in China back as far as the 13th century. It was used for hardstone carving as far back as 6,000B.C. The various varieties of Jade have had a great cultural significance for thousands of years.

NOTE: The early release images had green jade used for the ring, as on previous issues. This has now changed to white jade, which we think happens to look great. There’s also a cleaner and more attractive obverse as well, with a few changes to the issuer inscriptions.

Now CIT are no strangers to the dimensional coin market. It’s still a fledgling one with few players, but it’s hard to deny the Liechtenstein-based producer is the best out there at designing them, or that BH Mayer strike them better than anyone else. Case in point is this new debut lunar. Called the Jolly Silver Pig, it’s shaped like our best friend (at least until someone rediscovers T-Rex bacon…) and is decorated with multiple floral patterns. Impressively, the obverse side isn’t just a flat face, but continues the dimensional nature of the reverse to form something that will quite happily stand freely.

These coins are never what you would call bargain basement issues, but the weight has been kept to a sensible one-ounce, so it should be relatively affordable compared to something bigger. Provided in a good-looking red box.

Newly added to the range, this is physically identical to the silver version released earlier except it’s gilded instead of antique-finished. The mintage iis down to 888 from 999 as well.

Also released at the same time is an addition to CIT’s coin note range that takes the pig design of the dimensional coin to the other extreme by being about as flat as you can get a piece of silver. Despite being 150 x 70 mm in size, it weighs just five grams. If you’ve seen one of CIT’s Skyline Dollars, or one of the NZ Mints numerous popular culture ranges, you’ll know what to expect.

Basically, we’re talking about a banknote made of fine silver, sealed in acrylic, and with a certificate of authenticity part of the obverse design. The release of coin notes has accelerated hugely so far in 2018, so we should soon find out if they’ve become a hit with collectors or not.

Nobody has done more to popularise this format than CIT and they release a great selection every year. While only 11 mm in diameter, modern minting techniques mean they can hold a surprising amount of detail for their size. That seems to be an understatement this time, as the baby lunar holds an extraordinary amount of detail. If minigold coins are your thing, this doesn’t look like it will disappoint.

A fine design from Downies for the latest in their much sought after series of gilded five-ounce silver lunars. Each is struck to a high relief with plenty of detail and realism. Prices on early issues rose very quickly, but they seem to have settled down over the last couple of years.

The serial number on the certificate is reproduced on the edge of the coin. The obverse, as you’d expect from Niue, is the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. Nicely packaged and limited to 500 pieces, we think these are amongst the best of this years crop of coins, although at $525.00 AUD, not for everyone.

The latest in the lucky lunar range from the Mennica Polksa carries on with the previous theme and design. On the border are a ‘lucky’ seven paw prints in place of last years rooster feathers. A well realised dog portrait is framed by an inscription filled border.

The coin is nicely boxed with a certificate of authenticity, all in an attractive outer shipper. Price around $75. REVERSE: In the central part of the coin – relief image of a dog. In the upper part of the coin, along the rim – inscription: YEAR OF THE DOG 2018 (name of the coin and year of issue). In the bottom part of the coin, along the rim – decorative elements: seven golden paw prints. In the centre –Chinese logogram standing for the Year of the Dog

OBVERSE: In the central part of the coin – effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Below it – mint mark: m/w, hallmark: Ag 999. Along the rim – inscriptions separated by decorative dots: ELIZABETH II, NIUE ISLAND (issuer), 1 DOLLAR (face value), 2018 (year of issue).

This Lunar Year of the Pig 1oz Silver Coin includes a strong earth-coloured image of a boar softened by floral motifs. The polished background features engraved flowers and rocks to represent the earth and signifying a steady wealth foundation. ‘Year of the Pig’ is engraved in English along with the Chinese character for pig.

This coin comes packaged in a high-quality contemporary-style Perspex inner case and elegant outer packaging, making this an ideal gift for those born in the Year of the Pig and Lunar coin collectors.

 This Disney Lunar Year of the Pig 1oz Silver Coin features an engraved image of a grinning Mickey Mouse with a stylised pig, surrounded by delicate flora. This image has been reproduced from Disney’s Chinese Zodiac Animals collection. The Chinese character for pig is highlighted in red.

The pig is a symbol of prosperity, fertility and lots of good luck. Swine farmers were known to always have food. Keeping pigs was a sure way of insuring your family’s well-being. As the old Irish saying goes; “The pig is the gentleman who pays the rent”. In Germany they say “Glücksschwein”, which translates to lucky pig. Pig decorations and illustrations on good luck and best wishes cards are common in Germany. This is especially true around New Year. Candy in shapes of pigs symbolizes wishes of prosperity and luck. Marzipan pigs are sold in the thousands every December in Northern Europe.

Pigs are associated with wealth. Many wear small pig charms to attract money and good luck. Pigs have a history of insuring a family’s finances. Pig charms remain popular to this day.
The piggybank is a worldwide symbol of money. Feeding our piggybank with coins is an undisputable sign that we are caring for our financial future.

The shamrock or four leaf clover is as well one of the most common good luck symbols of the Western world. The four leaves represent hope, faith, love and luck. This is the most shared belief. Some say the four leaves represent fame, wealth, love and health.

Silver coin featuring a funny piglet will become a great gi for all people born in the Year of the Pig. It will be your personal stroke of luck to accompany you  during the whole year 2019. The coin’s surface is adorned with golden digital printing. Everything is possible, if even pigs might fly! We are the masters of our own fate and it mostly depends on us how we lead our lives to be happy. The amulet is to remind us, that we can rise above it all and achieve the deepest dream.

The coin’s reverse pictures the paper-made pig, surrounded with images of remaining animals of Chinese Zodiac. This unique design has its root in the origami – the ancient art of creating exquisite paper figures. The “Wealthy Year of the Pig” coin is an excellent gift idea for a person born in Year of the Pig, however, it also can be a universal present expressing wishes of good fortune and prosperity. The element of the Year of the Pig in 2019 is Earth, and its colours are golden and shades of yellow, symbolizing the wealth. “Wealthy Year of the Pig” can become a lucky talisman, which will bring good luck and wealth to you and your close ones during the whole year 2019!

This silver coin is a great idea for everyone who was born in the Year of the Pig. The image of wild boar on a black background is expressive and elegant, and four golden stars surrounding his figure symbolize wealth . A coin can be a universal gift expressing the wishes of prosperity and prosperity , as well as a lucky talisman that will bring you and your loved ones prosperity for the whole next year !

In the central part of the coin – the image of a boar. At the top – four gold stars and the inscription \”2019\”. At the bottom, the name of the coin in English \”Year of the Pig\”.

The third year of issue, these bullion coins maintain the heavily stylised design similar to mosaic or stained glass that has become the hallmark of the series. Available in 1oz silver and 1oz gold forms there is also a proof silver coin with a mintage of 1,000 pieces.

OBVERSE: Features a stylized Pig in the center of the coin. The inscriptions “Lunar Ounce”, “2019”, the Chinese sign for pig and the purity are listed along the rim.

REVERSE: Displays the official seal of Rwanda and the face value in Rwandan Francs

The latest in the Tokelau series of ‘Mirror’ lunar series coins, they clverly split the design so that one half of the reverse features a classic proof finish with a mirror table and frosted design while the other half is the mirror-opposite, with a frosted table and polished design.

These have a huge 65mm diameter which is far larger than the standard 40 mm you would expect of a 1oz pure silver round. Last years coin was struck in the UK at the private St.Pauls Mint, based in Birmingham, so we’d expect the same to be true this year given the coins unusual format.

The obverse features the basket-weave obverse with the traditional IRB effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. The coins are dated 2019 and are limited to only 500 pieces.

Another annual release, the Lunar Calendar set of four rectangular, coloured coins has remained a popular one. The artwork is unique to this set, done againby regular Perth Mint artist, Ing Ing Jong. The rectangular format gives the coloured element of the design a better chance to breathe because of the expansion of the background setting and these coins are all the better for it.

In most other regards apart from the shape, these remain a standard Perth Mint type of coin. The long latex ‘Nimbus’ frame is a good way to display any coin, although the benefits here are a little less because the obverse design is such a common, unadventurous one. Supplied in a coloured shipper with a COA.

OBVERSE: Each coin is issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu and features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2017 year-date, and the monetary denomination on its obverse.

REVERSE: The reverse of each coin celebrates the 2019 Year of the Pig with four distinctive coloured designs showcasing a Vietnamese Pot-bellied, Kunekune from New Zealand, Gloucestershire Old Spot and a Tamworth, both from England. The Chinese character for ‘pig’ and The Perth Mint’s traditional ‘P’ mintmark are also included in the design.

An annual release, the Lunar Good Fortune set are a pair of coins struck in a format that the Perth Mint might well consider its signature format, a 40.6 mm diameter, one-ounce coloured silver round. Colourful, yet with plenty of clean background detail, the pair are packaged in a grey snapper box inside a brightly coloured shipper. A COA is included.

OBVERSE: Each coin is issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu and features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the monetary denomination on its obverse.

REVERSE: The Wealth coin’s reverse depicts a representation of a domestic pig atop a mound of coins in ‘fu’ (fortune) bags. The pig is resting its forelegs on an ancient Chinese coin bearing a blessing of wealth. The inscriptions ‘WEALTH’ and ‘2019 YEAR OF THE PIG’ are also featured in the design with The Perth Mint’s traditional ‘P’ mintmark.

The Wisdom coin’s reverse portrays a domestic pig surrounded by ancient Chinese symbols of learning including scrolls of paper, a quill and a pot of ink. A stalk of bamboo to one side of the pig symbolises longevity and perseverance, virtues traditionally attributed to scholars. Also included in the design is a willow tree, representing the wisdom to adapt and the strength not to break. The inscriptions ‘WISDOM’ and ‘2019 YEAR OF THE PIG’ also appear in the design with The Perth Mint’s traditional ‘P’ mintmark.

The pig is the sixth design in the series, and is the twelfth and final sign of the Chinese zodiac, appearing once every 12 years. Harry Brockway, the coin’s designer, has ensured qualities of people born in the Year of the Pig are evident in his design. Behind the sow, who is lying comfortably with her children who are feeding, is a countryside landscape at night, featuring a traditional country home. This design shows the generosity, compassion and diligence associated with people born in the Year of the Pig, and defines their relationships with those close to them. The country home signifies the trait of feeling calm, through the drowsy night sky and smoke emanating from the warm fire within the home.

People born in the Year of the Pig are known to be gentle, selfless and loyal. They also tend to be diligent, compassionate and generous.

The Shēngxiào Collection celebrates the wonderful, age-old Chinese customs of sharing gifts that symbolise love, luck and good fortune with family, friends and colleagues. The lunar calendar also sets out important dates for people to celebrate significant life events.

Every year since 2014, we have released another addition to The Shēngxiào Collection. This year sees a rare opportunity to celebrate the Year of the Pig. Coming around only once every 12 years, people born under this sign are believed to be loyal, generous and gentle; the design by Harry Brockway represents these traits and the cultural traditions behind the lunar calendar.