2018 YEAR OF THE DOG: A GUIDE TO THE GOLD & SILVER LUNAR COINS

Viewed in side profile, the dog is the very image of a faithful protector and courageous companion as it looks beyond the coin’s scalloped rim. Beneath its muzzle, the engraved Chinese character for “dog” is engraved within a red-enamelled box that adds a colourful element of good luck. Branches of magnolia blossoms provide a breathtaking ornamental flourish on the left side of the coin; they too are symbolic, for the blooms represent purity and nobility—it’s a fitting floral tribute to a sign associated with some of humanity’s more virtuous qualities.

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.

The reverse commemorates 2018 as the Year of the Dog with a design that emphasizes the noble character of its animal representative. Viewed in side profile, the dog is the very image of a faithful protector and courageous companion as it looks beyond the coin’s scalloped rim. Beneath its muzzle lies the engraved Chinese character for “dog,” while the timeless beauty of magnolia blossoms adds an ornamental flourish to the left side of the coin.

These ancient blooms are far more symbolic, however, for they represent nobility and purity, and are a fitting floral tribute to a sign associated with some of humanity’s more virtuous qualities. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

Your favourite dog personality will be your best friend forever when you honour them with either of these exquisite coins celebrating the Year of the Dog. Their authentic Chinese design captures the dog’s warmth, loyalty and loving care, complete with auspicious clouds whose swirls are echoed in the dog’s fur to ensure good luck always rains down upon the most likeable sign of the Chinese zodiac—a treasure in 18-karat gold!

Canadian artist Aries Cheung has created a stylized depiction of a dog leaping with playful energy over its Chinese character. Behind the Dog is a rainbow and auspicious clouds, their swirling contours echoed in the dog’s fur to bestow good fortune upon this zodiac sign.

Your coin is encapsulated and housed in a silver satin-like covered case with a custom red sleeve.

Canadian artist Simon Ng has created a stylized depiction of a dog standing above a traditional Chinese latticework that incorporates a rose, one of the dog’s lucky flowers. A rose also appears on the dog’s chest, while onciduim and cymbidium orchids, the dog’s other floral charms, fill the remainder of its silhouette. The Chinese character for dog appears to the right. Beautiful engraving captures the energy of the loyal dog personality that is always poised and ready to play—or protect

There are five basic sets of designs again this year with four different shapes as there were last year, for a total of seventeen different coins spread across gold and silver.

SInce the Bank of China decided to eschew the standard weights used by all other mints for a decimalised system, coin sizes have changed slightly but not in any dramatic way. Sizes range from 3 grams to a staggering 10,000 grams (10kg) in gold and from 30 grams to a kilo in silver. A surprising thing we’ve noticed in previous years is the lack of a one-ounce (or now 30g) gold coin in any of the designs.

The coins were minted at multiple locations; Shenzhen Guobao Mint, Shenyang Mint and Shanghai Mint Co. They’re distributed by China Gold Coin Corporation.

Another series from German dealer MDM that’s entering it’s seventh year, this series is distinguished by a small central pearl, in the case of the 2018 coin, a black freshwater one. Like previous years the animals, in this case a pair of sprinting dogs, are highlighted with 24kt gold. They come in a box with a certificate. In our view, a fine coin and a major improvement on the 2017 rooster issue.

The 2018 collection has three 10 and 20 euro currencies in silver, 50 euro in gold. The reliefs of that of 20 euro have a height of 1.50 mm (usually the reliefs of a currency do not exceed 0.15 mm).

REVERSE: Overflowing through two circular friezes with traditional Chinese motifs, a Chow-chow; 2018 vintage above his head; On his body the kanji meaning dog (狗 [gou]). Legend YEAR OF THE DOG

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 coin in Kazakhstan’s lunar coin sequence. Previous issues have been available in gold as well and although we’ve yet to see sign of it, it may yet appear.

On the reverse in the center thereof, there is an image of the dog – a symbol of the year 2018 according to the Oriental Calendar, and a trademark of Kazakhstan Mint. A wide satin-finished edge runs along the perimeter of the coin, on the full-circle of which there are: a plate with a depressed legend “2018”, depressed legend “ШЫҒЫС КҮНТІЗБЕСІ” (SHYGYS KUNTIZBESI) in the state language, “ВОСТОЧНЫЙ КАЛЕНДАРЬ” (VOSTOCHNY KALENDAR”) in the Russian language and “ORIENTAL CALENDAR” in the English language. Other eleven symbols of the Oriental Calendar are arranged on the inside of the satin-finished edge.

In the center of the obverse there are mythological symbols of constellations of the celestial map of the Arch and legend (“Ag 925 31.1g” ), which denotes the metal a coin is made of, its fineness and weight. A wide satin-finished edge runs along the perimeter of the coin, on the full-circle of which there are: a plate with a depressed legend “500 ТЕҢГЕ” (“500 TENGE), which denotes the coin’s nominal value; the depressed legend “ҚАЗАҚСТАН RESPUBLIKASY” (Republic of Kazakhstan) in the state language and REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN in the English language and a stylized image of the Sun.

This is now the seventh year that this attractive series, again from MDM, has been released. The highlight feature of this range is a Burmese jade ring carrying gilded lettering in English and Chinese. In the centre sits a gilded representation of the lunar animal. The border carries a struck pattern of dogs and paw prints. 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.

The Chinese zodiac is a twelve-year cycle in which each year is associated with a specific animal. Those born during the year of a certain animal were thought to share some of the qualities of that animal. The twelve animals in order are: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, pig. 2018 is the Year of the Dog.

REVERSE: In the centre of the coin tehere is a dog presenting as a house defender. On the background stylised stars, Sun and Moon. Around the coin inscription: “SAFE YEAR OF THE DOG”.

OBVERSE: In the center of the coin coat of arms of the Republic of Macedonia, below year of the issue 2018. Around the coin inscriptions: “Republic of Macedonia” and “100 Denars” (in Macedonian).

The Chinese zodiac is a twelve-year cycle in which each year is associated with a specific animal. Those born during the year of a certain animal were thought to share some of the qualities of that animal. The twelve animals in order are: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, pig. 2018 is the Year of the Dog.

REVERSE: In the centre of the coin there is a dog pulling a the two-wheel carriage fulfilled with gold coins. On the background four-leaf clovers making wishes come true. Around the coin inscription: “WEALTHY YEAR OF THE DOG”.

OBVERSE: In the center of the coin coat of arms of the Republic of Macedonia, below year of the issue 2018. Around the coin inscriptions: “Republic of Macedonia” and “100 Denars” (in Macedonian).

In February 2017, CIT presented the first legal tender silver notes series «Skyline Dollars». Now already on its eigth issue, the silver note technology is ready to expand into lunar topics starting with the 2018 Year of the Dog. Issued by Mongolia, the new silver note depicts the Mongol Bankhar, a landrace once commonly kept by nomadic herders and perfectly adapted to the harsh climate and landscape.

The first Mongolian lunar silver note is kept in the same specifications as the popular Skyline Dollar series with 5 grams of fine silver spread over 150×70 mm. A traditional small gold coin with a similar design is also available.

This is the first coin in a Lunar coin collection licensed by Disney. Celebrating the 2018 Lunar Year of the Dog, the coin design features an engraving of a smiling Mickey Mouse with a stylized dog, direct from Disney’s Chinese Zodiac Animals collection. The Chinese character for Dog is highlighted in red.

This coin shows a coloured image of powerful German Shepherd Dogs. The polished background features an engraved Chinese pine tree and rockery, signifying a steady foundation and long life. “Year of the Dog” is engraved in English along with the Chinese character for Dog.

The 1 oz Year of the Dog Bullion Coin – Niue 2018 features 3 dogs in polished relief. The obverse of the coin features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

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. Thanks to APMEX for the images.

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).

The SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS crystal pendant is a great gift idea for Dogs of the Year. But not just for them! The coin worn as a jewelery will discreetly emphasize your style and personality and will bring you happiness in the coming Dog Year . The pendant has been made with great attention to detail and will surely become a gem of your collection. Let yourself be a touch of luxury!

OBVERSE: In the central part of the coin – effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Inscriptions: ELIZABETH II, 1 DOLLAR (face value), NIUE (issuer), 2018 (year of issue). In the upper part of the obverse – two round cut-outs. Next to the right cut-out – hallmark: Ag 999. In the background – textured surface. Right-hand, above the effigy of the Queen mint mark – m/w.

REVERSE: In the central part of the coin – relief image of a dog adorned with platinum coloured SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. In the background – diagonal chequerboard pattern. In the upper part of the coin – two round cut-outs.

This beautiful Silver coin is dedicated to those born under the Chinese lunar year of the Dog and is thought to be a baby Christening Gift. The coin has a beautiful design, has a wonderful coloration, has a Proof quality and comes in a specially designed presentation case, along with the Certificate of Authenticity. Limited mintage to 999 pieces worldwide.

OBVERSE: features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the inscriptions: “ELIZABETH II” – the name of the Queen, “2018” – the year of issue, “1 DOLLAR” – the face value and “NIUE” – the issuing country.

REVERSE: commemorates 2018 as the Year of the Dog with a design that was created with children in mind. The design features a lovely children petting a dog. On the left of the reverse, the inscription: “YEAR OF THE DOG” – the name of the coin.

The tiny dog splashs full of joy through the puddles and leaves wet and colorful footprints. Look at his face, he is proud of his doing and not guilty for the dirt he does … We love our dogs, they are part of the family, no matter what they do!

Watercolor splashing is a famous technology. This design is both, colorful and unique. The lack of a black outline makes each watercolor design look just like a painting with the splashs of color, rather than a stylized picture.

In order to greet the lunar year of the dog, and to carry forward the zodiac culture, the great artist Mr. Zhou Ling Zhao who is nearly 100 years old, has produced and exclusively authorized the zodiac dog works.

The much-anticipated Golden Dog Blessing: WuXu Year of Dog Chinese Zodiac Commemorative Silver Coin has been issued and blesses everyone with best wishes.

The Golden Dog Blessing: Wu Xu Year of Dog Chinese Zodiac Commemorative Silver Coin is issued by New Zealand Mint. The silver coin with heavy weight has two specifications, 500g and 1000g.

The Golden Dog Blessing: Wu Xu Year of Dog Chinese Zodiac Commemorative Silver Coin Set is issued by New Zealand Mint. The silver coin set consists of three 1oz 999 fine silver coins and 3oz in total.

This was one of last years standout lunars last year and this one looks to be of a similar quality.. Struck in High Relief, the design is a simple, but crisp looking dogs head around which is a patterned border. The inscription ‘YEAR OF THE DOG’ and the date are present. Issued for Palau, the obverse carries the excellent looking emblem of that state.

Three versions of the coin are available, all using the same base coin, just with differing finishes. One has a coloured dog head and in another the head is gilded. The third has a gilded border instead of the head and is my favourite of the trio. All are well packaged in a black box with a certificate of authenticity.

The second year of issue, these bullion coins have a highly stylised design, almost as if they’ve been formed from mosaic or stained glass. 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 Dog in the center of the coin. The inscriptions “Lunar Ounce”, “2018”, the Chinese sign for dog and the purity are listed along the rim.

REVERSE: Displays the official seal of Rwanda and the face value of 100 Francs

The Singapore Fourth Chinese Almanac Coin Series will span 12 years, from 2017 to 2028. Each year’s issue will depict a zodiac animal in a park or natural landscape setting in Singapore.

To welcome the Year of the Dog, the Monetary Authority of Singapore is proud to present the 2018 Year of the Dog Almanac Collection, the second issue of the Singapore Fourth Chinese Almanac Coin Series. This issue features the Dog with the Singapore Botanic Gardens in the background. With more than 150 years of history, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The coins will be available in 10 different versions, comprising various metallic compositions, minting relief effects and shapes. Special premium sets consisting of various coin combinations will also be available. Make these coins a part of your collection for abundant blessings and fortune in 2018.

Next in the Tokelau series of ‘Mirror’ lunar series coins, is this beautiful design featuring English Pointers. 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.

The most outstanding feature of this series is the massive 65mm diameter which is technically challenging to mint in 1oz pure silver. This year the coin has been minted at St Paul’s Mint in Birmingham who have achieved an outstanding quality finish.

The obverse features the basket-weave obverse with the traditional IRB effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. The coins are dated 2018 and are limited to only 500 pieces for worldwide distribution. This year, as in previous years, this series has sold out prior to its formal release.

Tokelau’s beautiful 1oz pure silver coin features a mother labrador lying in the grass with two young pups playing on her back. The delightful look on the mother’s face engenders the qualities of this beautiful breed of dog. Released to commemorate the Year of the Dog in 2018, the coin is finished to the highest quality reverse proof with a satin matt finish table area and polished design.

The obverse features the IRB effigy of Queen Elizabeth II together with the national symbol of Tokelau, the Taluma. The monetary denomination and weight and purity of the coin also appears on the obverse.

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 by 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 Year of the Dog with four different coloured designs showcasing a chow chow, a dalmatian, a pekingese and a British bulldog. The Chinese character for ‘dog’ 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 features a rottweiler, a breed known for its strength and protective instincts, lying on a large coin and surrounded by a stack of gold coins. The inscription WEALTH also appears in the design.

A border collie, renowned for its intelligence, is depicted on the Wisdom coin surrounded by symbols of knowledge. The inscription WISDOM is also featured. Each coin has the inscription 2018 YEAR OF THE DOG with The Perth Mint’s traditional ‘P’ mintmark.