New Zealand Mint launches its 2018 lunar bullion coin programme with a one ounce pair

The New Zealand Mints new lunar bullion coins are now out in the wild and are the fourth annual release in what should be a full twelve-coin lunar cycle. Unlike their contemporaries at the Perth Mint, the range of available sizes is restricted to just a single gold and a single silver coin, each an ounce in weight. It’s also a range unecumbered by countless higher-end variants like proof, coloured or gilded, for example. All in all, a refreshingly simple program of lunars.

This is a range that has a pretty unique style of its own. Each design is based around silhouettes, a trio of the animal in question, although the backgrounds vary considerably. This years, or we should say technically next years coin, is a simpler affair than usual, with three identical dogs in the Chinese style laid out vertically. Inscribed to the left is the Chinese character for dog, under which is the text ‘2018 YEAR OF THE DOG’. To be honest, compared to last years rooster coin we think this is a fairly bland design but fans of the previous coins will find this one fitting right in.

As it’s issued for Niue, the obverse carries the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, in this case the usual Ian Rank Broadley penned version. Except for the composition, the usual range of required coin inscriptions sit on this face surrounding the Queens head. Available to buy now either directly from the New Zealand Mint, or from some bullion dealers like APMEX in the US.