Lunar new year

In 2014, The Perth Mint’s internationally renowned Australian lunar gold proof coin series II celebrated the Year of the Horse, the seventh animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.

Meticulously struck from 99.99% pure gold in proof quality, no more than 3,000 1oz coins, 5,000 1/4oz coins and 5,000 1/10oz and three-coin sets will be released. Each coin is issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965.

The birth dates for people ruled by the Chinese lunar horse include 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002 and 2014. Those born under the influence of this sign are said to be hardworking, sociable, optimistic and energetic.

2014 year of the horse design

The coin’s reverse depicts a horse galloping amid a stylised scene of mountains and clouds. The Chinese character for ‘horse’ and the inscription ‘Year of the Horse’ also appear in the design with The Perth Mint’s traditional ‘P’ mintmark.

The Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2014 year-date and monetary denomination are shown on the coin’s obverse.