Every September the big gun in the lunar coin market debuts from the Perth Mint in bullion form. What follows is a torrent of different versions released over many months, starting with the expected proof sets that we see here. Expected to follow are coloured and gilded, along with multiple different formats, but for now, these are the designs in their purest form.

The designs this year are very well done, the best for a few years we think, unusual given the animal in question is a chicken. The gold has a nice level of detail and plenty of coverage, resulting in a nice composition. Likewise the silver which, while a little less pleasing as a composition, is nicely packed out with some top quality artwork. Comments have been pretty positive since the bullion versions debuted last week and we can see why.

The proof gold coins are available individually packaged in 1oz ($2,699), 1/4 oz ($699) and 1/10 oz ($299) forms, as well as a set containing all three for $3,599 (all prices in Australian dollars with international buyers not paying the included 8% GST). The silver coins come individually boxed in 1 kg ($1,795), 1 oz ($99) and 1/2 oz ($65) variants, with a three coin set of 2/1/½ oz coins selling for $350. The packaging for all is the same as used in previous years and of a good quality.

Also having their debut are proof variants of the mints new ultra-popular Kangaroo silver bullion coin. There’s a ¼ oz proof version available individually packaged for $29.00, an unusual choice, and a set containing four different sizes. The set has 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz within it and sells for a not inconsiderable $219 AUD. Seems quite pricey for under two ounces of silver in a design that isn’t even unique to the set. It’s a good design, but has rapidly become hugely common and the Perth Mints best seller by far. All the coins featured here are available to buy from today.

In 2017, The Perth Mint’s internationally renowned Australian Lunar Silver Proof Coin Series II celebrates the Year of the Rooster, the tenth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. The birth dates for people ruled by the Chinese Lunar rooster include 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957,
1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, and 2017. Those born under the influence of this sign are said to be hardworking, loyal, honest, and sociable.

Struck from 99.99% pure silver in proof quality, no more than 500 kilo coins will be released worldwide. An issue limit of 8,000 1/2oz coins, 5,000 1oz coins and 1,000 three-coin sets will be produced in this packaging. Meticulously struck from 99.99% pure gold in proof quality, no more than 3,000 individual 1oz coins, 5,000 1/4oz coins, 4,000 1/10oz coins and 1,500 three-coin sets will be released in this packaging.

GOLD REVERSE: depicts a rooster standing in a stylised Chinese scene featuring bamboo and leaves. The Chinese character for ‘rooster’ and the inscription ‘Year of the Rooster’ also appear in the design with The Perth Mint’s traditional ‘P’ mintmark.

SILVER REVERSE: depicts a rooster, a hen, and three chicks standing amongst bamboo foliage and flowers. The Chinese character for ‘rooster’ and the inscription ‘Year of the Rooster’ also appear in the design with The Perth Mint’s traditional ‘P’ mintmark.

OBVERSE: The Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2017 year date, and the monetary denomination are depicted on each coin’s obverse.

PRESENTATION: Each individual silver coin and three-coin set is housed in a stylish red and black presentation case and themed shipper, accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. Gold Proof Lunar coins from The Perth Mint are housed in elegant oval-shaped display cases, featuring a glossy timber-effect lid and presented in a coloured themed shipper.

* 1,000 in the three coin set
** 5,000 in this individual packaging, 1,000 in the three coin set
*** 8,000 in this individual packaging, 1,000 in the three coin set

* 3,000 in this individual packaging, 1,500 in the three coin set
** 5,000 in this individual packaging, 1,500 in the three coin set
*** 4,000 in this individual packaging, 1,500 in the three coin set

The kangaroo is the largest marsupial surviving on earth today. The animal’s distinctive style of movement, hopping on its hind legs whilst using its large, muscular tail for balance, means it is one of the only animals which is unable to move backwards easily. An unofficial symbol of Australia, the kangaroo features in the Australian national emblem alongside the emu.

The Perth Mint will release no more than 3,000 of the 2016 Australian Kangaroo Silver Proof Four-Coin Set in this packaging from a maximum mintage of 3,000 1oz coins, 3,000 1/2oz coins, 13,000 1/4oz coins, and 3,000 1/10oz coins. The Perth Mint will release no more than 10,000 of the 2016 Australian Kangaroo 1/4oz Silver Proof Coin in this packaging from a maximum mintage of 13,000.

REVERSE: depicts a bounding kangaroo surrounded by stylised rays of sunlight and bordered by the inscription AUSTRALIAN KANGAROO. The design also includes The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark, the 2016 year-date, and the coin’s weight and fineness. Design by Wade Robinson.

OBVERSE: The Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the monetary denomination are depicted on each coin’s obverse.

PRESENTATION: The set is housed in a classic Perth Mint presentation case with a themed, customised shipper and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. The ¼oz coin is housed in a classic Perth Mint presentation case with a themed, customised shipper and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

*10,000 in individual packaging and 3,000 in the four-coin set