Meet Year of the Horse coin designer Ing Ing Jong
This year, The Perth Mint is proud to unveil our Australian Lunar Series III 2026 Year of the Horse Gold and Silver Proof Coins.
Struck from 99.99% pure gold, our Year of the Horse proof coins portray a magnificent horse with elevated hooves displaying strength and poise.
Crafted with precision, our 99.99% pure silver proof coins portray a majestic mare alongside her young foal, both depicted with elegant manes in a striking galloping stance.
In this exclusive Q&A, coin designer Ing Ing Jong shares the inspiration behind her latest designs and offers insights into her creative process and celebrated career in coin artistry.
What inspired the Australian Lunar Series III Year of the Horse coin designs?
My inspiration for the lunar horse design stemmed from traditional Chinese horse paintings, renowned for their expressive energy and dynamic movement. I was particularly drawn to depictions of galloping herds, which embody a powerful sense of momentum and freedom.
In Chinese culture, horses symbolise perseverance and the pursuit of success, and through this design, I aimed to capture their strength, vitality, and untamed spirit. My ambition was to reflect the horse's raw power and grace in motion, conveying a sense of boundless energy and determination.
How are the coins presented?
These coins are presented in beautifully illustrated shippers that showcase the independent and spirited nature of the horse. What I love most is that each shipper is designed to be displayed alongside those from previous issues in the series, allowing collectors to create a striking diorama that brings together all 12 auspicious animals from the Great Race.
What inspired your interest in drawing?
From a young age, I felt a deep compulsion to draw. I was captivated by Disney animations and quickly developed a passion for creating my own characters. What fascinated me most was how animators could so vividly convey a character’s emotions – the subtle expressions, the movement, the storytelling through gesture. It sparked a desire in me to understand and master that same ability: to bring characters to life and communicate their inner world through art.
How did you become a professional illustrator?
I began my creative journey at the Central School of Art and Design in Perth, where I completed an Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design, specialising in illustration and multimedia. Eager to broaden my skill set and explore new creative technologies, I went on to complete a Bachelor of Multimedia at Curtin University. This combination of traditional and digital training laid a strong foundation for my career in visual storytelling and design.
What do you love about coin design?
I enjoy bringing characters and animals to life, capturing their spirit and essence through design. My journey with the lunar coin series began with the 2013 Year of the Snake, a project that holds a special place in my heart. To better understand the creature I was portraying, I arranged to handle a large python – an unforgettable, hands-on experience that deepened my appreciation for the snake’s quiet strength.
This encounter inspired me to focus on the snake’s charm, patience, composure, and control. Rather than emphasising fear or danger, I aimed to reveal its elegance and mystique, portraying a creature that moves with purpose and grace. This thoughtful approach shaped not only that design but also how I approach every animal in the series – with curiosity, respect, and a desire to tell a deeper story through symbolism and movement.
What has been your favourite design project?
One of the most pivotal designs in my career was the 2014 Chinese Ancient Mythical Creatures 2014 5oz Silver Proof Coloured Coin. The intricate brief called for detailed representations of a dragon, phoenix, tiger, and turtle encircling a central yin yang symbol – each element rich in cultural symbolism and visual complexity.
This project became a turning point for me, especially in how I approached the depiction of Chinese dragons. Through extensive research and creative exploration, I was able to deepen my understanding of their mythology and refine my drawing style to capture their power and elegance. The coin’s success marked the beginning of a lasting influence on my work, setting the tone for how I’ve portrayed mythical dragons in several designs since.
