🇦🇺 Lunar III Horse 2026 – 1 oz Gold Coin – Australia’s Zodiac Symbol in Timeless Perfection
The Lunar III Horse 2026 – 1 oz Gold Coin embodies energy, grace, and artistic perfection in a masterwork of Australian minting. Issued by the Perth Mint, it celebrates the Year of the Horse in the Chinese Zodiac — a sign that represents freedom, vitality, and inner strength. The third Lunar Series, which began in 2020, continues this renowned tradition, combining the depth of Chinese symbolism with the precision and refinement of Australian craftsmanship.
The obverse features the effigy of King Charles III, designed by British artist Dan Thorne. The surrounding legend “CHARLES III • AUSTRALIA • 100 DOLLARS” frames the portrait with understated elegance. Every detail of the engraving conveys composure and dignity; the calm expression of the King symbolises continuity and stability. The smooth background and delicate lines create a sense of serenity and balance, perfectly complementing the overall design.
The reverse portrays the horse in graceful motion, its mane flowing in the wind, its body poised with natural strength and poise. It steps confidently across rocky ground, surrounded by stylised clouds and bamboo — emblems of growth, peace, and harmony. The composition captures the essence of movement and stillness, merging energy with tranquillity. The inscriptions “YEAR OF THE HORSE 2026” and the Chinese character “馬” complete the design, while the discreet “P” mintmark signifies the Perth Mint’s mark of excellence.
The relief reveals impressive depth and texture, animating the scene through a masterful play of light and shadow. Polished and matte surfaces alternate in gentle rhythm, lending the horse a lifelike presence. Every line of the engraving reflects the Perth Mint’s unparalleled attention to detail — a testament to technical mastery and artistic sensitivity.
In Chinese tradition, the horse symbolises ambition, determination, and independence. It stands for those who move forward with purpose, driven by freedom and vitality. This meaning is embodied in the coin’s design — a balance of power and serenity, expressed in gold. The horse’s symbolism contrasts yet complements other Zodiac creatures: where the ox represents endurance, the horse embodies movement — the forward rhythm of life itself.
Struck from 99.99 percent fine gold, the coin radiates a warm, natural brilliance that enhances its elegance. Its surface combines mirror-like polish with fine matte accents, creating subtle reflections that bring depth to the composition. Each strike undergoes rigorous inspection, ensuring flawless precision and lasting beauty — a hallmark of the Perth Mint’s commitment to excellence.
The Lunar III Horse 2026 – 1 oz Gold Coin is far more than an investment piece; it is a work of art and culture, a celebration of harmony between nature and craftsmanship. It captures both the energy of motion and the calm of balance, reflecting the eternal rhythm of life in pure gold. The horse, revered in Chinese culture as a symbol of success and progress, becomes here a golden messenger of freedom and vitality.
The Lunar III Horse 2026 – 1 oz Gold Coin thus stands as a tribute to artistry, tradition, and timeless harmony — uniting Australian precision with Chinese heritage in a creation of enduring grace. It embodies the eternal dialogue between strength and serenity, and between the human spirit and the rhythm of nature, making it a coin not only to possess but to treasure for generations.
| Metal | Gold |
| Form | Gold Coin |
| Country of Origin | Australia |
| Issuer | Perth Mint |
| Series | Lunar III |
| Purity | 999.9/1000 |
| Fineweight | 31.10 gram |
| Gross Weight | 31.10 gram |
| Denomination (oz) | 1 oz |
| Year of issue | 2026 |
| Face value | 100 AUD |
| Thickness | 2.95 mm |
| Diameter | 32.60 mm |
| Mintage | 30000 |
| Packaging | in Capsule |
| Packaging Unit | 20 per roll |
| Large Packaging 2 | 100 per Box |