Reputedly
the oldest chronological record in history, the ancient Chinese Lunar
Calendar dates back beyond 2,600 BC. Based on the appearance of the new
moon, it associates a different animal with each year in the 12-year
lunar cycle.
Traditionally, the first year of the lunar cycle is
‘ruled’ by the mouse. According to legend, the
order of the animals in
Chinese astrology was determined by their race across a river. Unknown
to the ox, the mouse hitched a ride on its back, leaping to victory at
the very last second. The tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat,
monkey, rooster, dog and pig followed the quick-thinking mouse and the
flabbergasted ox to dry land.
In Chinese culture, each animal is believed to influence the
personality of the people born under its ‘rule’.
Year
of the Rabbit – 3 February 2011 to 22 January 2012
The Rabbit is the fourth sign of the Chinese Zodiac. The
rabbit is a particularly lucky emblem and those born under this sign
are believed to have an uncanny gift for choosing the right thing.
Well-respected and wise, people with
‘rabbit’ personalities are renowned for their
excellent memories and good taste. They make honourable and
successful business partners and are also conservative by nature.
Famous people born in the Year of the Rabbit include Brad Pitt
(1963), Angelina Jolie (1975), George Orwell (1903), Germaine Greer
(1939), Albert Einstein (1879), and Confucius (551BC).
Australian
Lunar Series II
2011 Year of the Rabbit
Gold Proof Coin Issues
- Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Gold
- Unique Reverse Design
- Australian Legal Tender
- Extremely Limited Mintages
- Certificate of Authenticity
- Elegant Presentation
- Great Gift Ideas
In 2011, the popular Australian Lunar Gold Coin Series celebrates the
Year of the Rabbit, the fourth animal in the 12-year cycle of the
Chinese zodiac.
These superb releases are perfect for people born in the Year of the
Rabbit – 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999 and 2011 -
who are regarded as intelligent, articulate, compassionate and loyal.
Proof Quality 99.99% Pure
Gold
Each coin is meticulously struck from 99.99% pure gold in proof
quality, the 2011 releases are available as individual 1oz, 1/4oz,
1/10oz and a three-coin set. (1oz, 1/4oz, 1/10oz)
Unique Reverse Design
The reverse of each coin depicts a rabbit next to a cabbage and a pot
with Chinese lettering. The Chinese character for
‘rabbit’ and the inscription ‘Year of the
Rabbit’ also appear in the design with The Perth
Mint’s traditional ‘P’ mintmark.
Australian Legal Tender
Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, each
coin features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth II, the 2011 year-date and the monetary denomination are
shown on the obverse of each coin.
Extremely Limited Mintages
No more than 3,000 individual 1oz coins, 5,000 1/4oz coins, 5,000
1/10oz coins and 3,000 Three-Coin Sets will be released.
Certificate of
Authenticity
Each coin and set is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of
Authenticity.
Elegant Presentation
Gold Proof Australian Lunar Series II coins are housed in elegant
oval-shaped display cases featuring a granite effect base and a glossy
timber-effect lid. Each case comes in an illustrated shipper.
Great Gift Ideas
As well as appealing to proof coin collectors, these outstanding
releases also make great gifts for people born in any year
‘ruled’ by the Chinese lunar rabbit.
Technical Specifications
1oz 1/4oz 1/10oz
Gold Content (Troy oz) 1
0.25 0.10
Monetary Denomination (AUD) 100
25 15
Fineness (% purity) 99.99
99.99 99.99
Minimum Gross Weight (g) 31.112 7.777 3.111
Maximum Diameter (mm) 39.34 22.60 18.10
Maximum Thickness (mm) 2.50
2.20 2.00
¼ród³o:
Perth Mint / Wikipedia