In 2011, The Perth Mint’s internationally renowned Australian Lunar Silver Proof Coin Series II celebrates the Year of the Rabbit, the fourth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.These superb releases are perfect for people born in the Year of the Rabbit – 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975,  1987, 1999 and 2011 – who are regarded as intelligent, articulate,  compassionate and loyal.

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

Struck from 99.9% pure silver in proof quality, the 2011 releases are available as individual 1 kilo coin

Unique Reverse Design

The reverse of each coin depicts two rabbits nestling under foliage.  The Chinese character for ‘rabbit’ and the inscription ‘Year of the Rabbit’ also appear in the design with The Perth Mint’s traditional ‘P’  mintmark.

Australian Legal Tender

Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2011 year-date and the monetary denomination are shown on the obverse of each coin.

Presentation

Silver Australian Lunar RABBIT coins are housed in capsule

Great Gift Ideas

As well as appealing to proof quality gold coin collectors, these outstanding releases also make great gifts for people born in any year ‘ruled’ by the Chinese lunar rabbit.

Technical Specifications

Year of the Rabbit –3 February 2011 to 22 January 2012

Chinese Lunar Calendar

Reputedly the oldest chronological record in history, the ancient Chinese Lunar Calendar dates back beyond 2,600 BC. Based on the appearance of the new moon, it associates a different animal with each year in the 12-year lunar cycle.

Traditionally, the first year of the lunar cycle is ‘ruled’ by the mouse. According to legend, the order of the animals in Chinese astrology was determined by their race across a river. Unknown to the ox, the mouse hitched a ride on its back, leaping to victory at the very last second. The tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey,  rooster, dog and pig followed the quick-thinking mouse and the flabbergasted ox to dry land.

In Chinese culture, each animal is believed to influence the personality of the people born under its ‘rule’. The following table makes it easy to determine your most likely Lunar animal. The exact dates of the current Lunar year, which are dictated by the appearance of the new moon, are includedbelow.