Buy Lunar I Gold Coins – The Original Perth Mint Zodiac Cycle (1996–2007)
The Lunar I gold series was the pioneering first generation of the Perth Mint's Chinese zodiac programme – 12 annual issues from the Year of the Rat (1996) to the Year of the Pig (2007). With 48 products at CelticGold representing the deepest vintage range of any historical Perth Mint gold series, Lunar I is where the zodiac coin concept began and where the most historically significant zodiac collector pieces reside.
All Lunar I issues are permanently closed – production ceased over 15 years ago. No further coins will be struck in this cycle. The Dragon 2000 and inaugural Rat 1996 are the most historically significant years; large-format pieces (5 oz, 1 kg) from the earliest years are genuinely rare on the secondary market.
FAQ: What are the rarest Lunar I pieces? The Rat 1996 inaugural issue (first ever Perth Mint zodiac coin) and Dragon 2000 (most culturally auspicious year) in large formats (5 oz, 1 kg) are the pieces most actively sought by specialist collectors.
