Year of the monkey

In 2016 we celebrated the ninth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, the monkey.

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, optimistic, ambitious, and adventurous.

Stunning high relief year of the monkey design

The reverse of the coin depicts an adult monkey sitting on a branch of a peach tree, which is symbolic of longevity and immortality. The Chinese character for 'monkey' and the inscription 'Year of the Monkey' also appear in the design with The Perth Mint's traditional 'P' mintmark.

The coin's high relief reverse and obverse are minted on concave surfaces to ensure the optimum flow of metal is achieved by the strike of the die.