Lunar Monkey 1/2oz Gold Coin 2016
Perth Mint
Founded in 1899 in Perth, Australia. The Perth Mint holds the world record to mint the biggest gold coin with 1012 kg. Globally loved by investors for their high quality and wide range of investment and collectors coins.
The Gold Lunar Monkey 1/2 oz coin is part of the Lunar II gold coin series that was introduced in 2008 and has a 12 year production cycle which will end in 2019. The original Gold Lunar I coin series was minted between 1996-2007.
The Gold Lunar I series of coins was very popular with investors and collectors. As result, the Perth Mint, who produces the Lunar, decided to launch the Lunar II in 2008. The Lunar II features different designs on the reverse side of the coin every year.
2016 is the “Year of the Monkey”. Thus all Gold Lunar 2016 coins feature an image of a monkey on the reverse side of the coin. The all new Lunar Money provides both investors and collectors with another brilliant, high quality design from the Perth Mint.
Weight & Size
The Gold Lunar Monkey comes in the following coin sizes: 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz and 1/20 oz. The key dimensions for the 1/2 oz Gold Lunar Monkey are listed below:
| Weight | Fineweight | Diameter | Thickness | Nominal Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 oz | 15.55 g | 30.6 mm | 2.5 mm | 50 AUD |
History
Below are some facts about the Chinese Lunar calendar and the 2016 Gold Lunar Monkey coin that gold investors may find interesting.
The ancient Chinese Lunar calendar dates back beyond 2,600 BC and is considered the oldest chronological record in history. Based upon the appearance of the new moon, it associates a different animal with each year in the 12 year lunar cycle.
The birth dates for people ruled by the Chinese Lunar Monkey include 1920, 1932, 1944 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 and 2016.
Those born under the influence of this sign are said to be intelligent, quick-witted, ambitious, optimistic, and adventurous. In Chinese culture each animal is believed to influence the personality of the people born under its rule.
The “Year of the Monkey” is from 8 February 2016 to 27th January 2017. The monkey ranks as the 9th animal in the 12 year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.
Advantages
One of the main advantages of the 2016 Gold Lunar Monkey is that it is manufactured by the world famous Pert Mint in Western Australia. The Perth Mint was founded in 1899 and is one of the most respected mints in the world.
The high quality design of the Gold Lunar Monkey along with the high level of gold purity make it an exceptional gold coin. It is not only an attractive option for investors, but the coin is popular amongst collectors as well.
Each of the mint years in the Lunar II series has a different design. This is a somewhat unique feature of the Perth Mint and as a result draws interest from gold investors all over the world.
Fractional Weight Coins
The 2016 Gold Lunar Monkey has 4 different fractional sizes that investors can choose from which include 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz and 1/20 oz. Fractional gold coins are for those investors who are looking for alternative price points and weights to the 1 oz coin or bar.
It should be noted that these fractional coins will often carry higher premiums due to the higher manufacturing cost associated with minting smaller weight coins. However, smaller weight coins are still popular and allow buyers to own brand name name coins are different price points.
Design
The reverse of the 2016 Gold Lunar Monkey 1/2 coin depicts an adult monkey sitting on a branch of a peach tree, which is symbolic of longevity and immortality. The Chinese character of monkey with the inscription “Year of the Monkey” also appear on the coin with the Perth Mints traditional “P” mark.
On the obverse side, the image of Queen Elizabeth II is pictured. Designed by Ian Rank-Broadley, her majesty appears on all the Lunar II series coins. Also shown on the reverse are the 2016 year-date and the monetary denomination.
Product Details
- Manufacturer: Royal Perth Mint
- Country of origin: Australia
- Karat: 24 K
- Gold: 99.99%
- Fineness: 999.9 / 1000
- Scratch resistance: Poor
| Metal | Gold |
| Form | Gold Coin |
| Country of Origin | Australia |
| Manufacturer | Perth Mint |
| Series | Lunar II |
| Purity | 999.9/1000 |
| Fineweight | 15.55 gram |
| Gross Weight | 15.55 gram |
| Denomination (oz) | 1/2 oz |
| Year of issue | 2016 |
| Grade | Brilliant |
| Condition | Circulated |
| Face value | 50 AUD |
| Thickness | 2.50 mm |
| Diameter | 30.60 mm |
| Mintage | 11947 |
| Packaging | single in Capsule |
| Packaging Unit | 20 per roll |
| Large Packaging 2 | 100 per box |