Buy Lunar III Gold Coins – The Current Chinese Zodiac Cycle (2020–2031)
The Lunar III gold series is the current, third generation of the Perth Mint's Chinese zodiac coin programme – running from the Year of the Rat (2020) to the Year of the Pig (2031). With 39 products at CelticGold spanning multiple annual issues and sizes, Lunar III combines 999.9/1,000 fine gold with the cultural resonance of the 12-animal Chinese zodiac and genuine collector scarcity through limited annual mintages.
History – Three Generations, Thirty-Five Years of Zodiac Coinage
The Perth Mint launched its first Chinese zodiac gold programme in 1996 (Lunar I, 1996–2007), refined by Lunar II (2008–2019). Lunar III, from 2020, represents the most technically accomplished generation: deeper relief sculpting, more naturalistic animal portraits and the broadest available weight range.
The Dragon year is culturally the most significant in the 12-year cycle – the most auspicious and powerful zodiac sign in Chinese tradition. Dragon 2024 was among the fastest-selling Perth Mint gold releases of recent years, with most formats selling out at issue price within days of release and immediately commanding secondary-market premiums.
Should I buy the current year's Lunar III now?
Experience from the Dragon 2024 year shows clearly: buy at issue price. Popular zodiac years (especially Dragon, but all years) sell out; secondary-market prices follow immediately. Buying the current Horse (2026) or upcoming years at issue price is always more economical than buying secondary market.
What happens in 2031?
The Pig (2031) closes the third cycle. From 2032, a fourth cycle begins with the Rat. Complete Lunar III 12-coin sets will then become collector items just as Lunar I and II sets are now.
