How to Identify the Australian Lunar Series (Perth Mint)

What It Is

The Australian Lunar Series is an ongoing bullion coin program from the Perth Mint that began in 1996. Each year's coin features a different animal from the twelve-year Chinese zodiac cycle, making the series popular with both bullion investors and collectors following the lunar calendar theme. The program has run through Series I, Series II, and Series III, each with its own design conventions, mintage limits, and stylistic treatment of the featured animal, and the series has become one of the best-selling annual bullion programs in the world.

Obverse Design & Inscriptions

The obverse carries the official coinage portrait of the reigning Australian monarch, along with the country name "Australia," the coin's face value, and the year of issue. Series I and II used the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, while later issues transitioned to the Jody Clark effigy and, more recently, the portrait of King Charles III.

Reverse Design & Inscriptions

The reverse depicts that year's zodiac animal in detailed relief, such as the mouse, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, or pig. Inscriptions typically include the animal's Chinese character, the metal's purity and weight, and small mint identifiers like the "P" mintmark for Perth.

Size, Weight, Metal, and Edge

Coins are issued in multiple sizes across gold (.9999 fine) and silver (.999 fine) versions, ranging from small fractional-ounce pieces to large kilogram coins. Standard bullion sizes have reeded or plain edges depending on denomination, and each piece states its precise weight and fineness on the reverse.

Mint Marks and Where to Find Them

A small "P" mintmark, sometimes accompanied by a Perth Mint privy mark, appears on the reverse near the design or in the legend, confirming Perth Mint origin. Series and animal-specific privy marks or design variations can also help pinpoint the exact release year.

Telling It Apart From Similar Coins

The Lunar Series can be confused with other zodiac-animal bullion coins from mints like Somalia, China's own Lunar-themed panda-adjacent issues, or with the Perth Mint's own Koala and Kangaroo series. The key distinguishing features are the specific zodiac theme, the "P" mintmark, and the Australian monarch's portrait on the obverse, which other countries' zodiac coins do not use. Series I coins can also be told apart from Series II and III by border style and the specific privy marks used within each series.

Judging Condition at a Glance

Since most Lunar coins are bullion or investment-grade pieces bought in gem uncirculated or proof condition, assess condition by checking for bag marks, scuffs, or handling marks on the animal's raised details and the coin's fields, along with the sharpness of the fur or feather texture, which is a hallmark of Perth Mint detail work.

Authenticity Red Flags

Given the popularity and value of gold and silver Lunar coins, counterfeits exist. Warning signs include incorrect weight or diameter for the stated denomination, a portrait or zodiac design that looks slightly off in proportion, poorly struck lettering, or a finish that doesn't match the expected proof or bullion luster for that release. Buying from Perth Mint-authorized distributors and checking a coin's specifications against the mint's official technical data for that year is the safest way to confirm a genuine purchase.