1999 1/10 oz Australia Gold Lunar Rabbit BU – Series I

In the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of the Rabbit symbolizes prosperity, peace, and longevity. The 1999 1/10 oz Australian Gold Lunar Rabbit represents this auspicious energy in its purest form – 99.99% fine gold minted by the prestigious Perth Mint of Australia.

This beautiful coin belongs to the highly acclaimed Australian Lunar Series I, which began in 1996 with the Year of the Mouse and concluded in 2007 with the Year of the Pig. The 1999 Rabbit edition holds particular significance as the fourth release in this groundbreaking series, which has since become a cornerstone of modern numismatic collecting.

Those born in Rabbit years (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, and 2011) are said to embody intelligence, compassion, articulation, and loyalty. The Perth Mint expertly captured these qualities through Louise Pinder's elegant design, which portrays a rabbit in its natural habitat – a symbol of gentleness and good fortune.

What makes this particular issue exceptional is its remarkably low mintage of only 8,799 coins. This scarcity has contributed significantly to its desirability among both collectors and investors. As the years pass, finding these coins in brilliant uncirculated condition becomes increasingly challenging, further enhancing their numismatic value.

The 1999 Rabbit gold coin represents more than just precious metal – it embodies the rich cultural exchange between East and West. Australia's Perth Mint has masterfully combined traditional Chinese zodiac symbolism with Western minting techniques, creating a coin that appeals to collectors worldwide regardless of cultural background.

Beyond its cultural significance, this coin represents a tangible connection to the late 20th century – the final year before the new millennium. The 1999 date marks a pivotal moment in world history, making these coins time capsules of a transformative era that saw the rise of digital technology alongside renewed interest in ancient traditions and symbols.

Design Features

The obverse of the coin features Raphael Maklouf's dignified portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. This classic effigy shows Her Majesty wearing the royal diadem and earrings, facing right in regal profile. Surrounding this portrait are inscriptions denoting "ELIZABETH II," "AUSTRALIA," and the monetary denomination of "15 DOLLARS" – confirming its status as legal tender backed by the Australian government.

The reverse showcases Louise Pinder's artistic interpretation of a rabbit sitting peacefully in grass. The design elegantly captures the gentle nature associated with this zodiac sign. In the background, the Chinese character for "Rabbit" provides cultural authenticity. Additional inscriptions include "1/10 OZ 9999 GOLD" confirming its weight and exceptional purity, along with the year "1999" marking this specific lunar celebration. The combination of Western and Eastern elements creates a harmonious design that appeals to collectors worldwide.

The coin's meticulous minting process results in pristine, frosted details that stand out beautifully against the coin's reflective background. Its modest 16.1mm diameter and 1.5mm thickness make it an accessible addition to any collection, while its reeded edge provides both security and a traditional numismatic touch. Each coin comes housed in a protective Perth Mint plastic capsule, preserving its brilliant uncirculated condition.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: GOLD – Hedge
• Purity: 0.9999
• Weight: 0.1 oz
• Grade: BU – Brilliant Uncirculated
• Manufacturer: The Perth Mint
• Mint Mark: P – Perth
• Grading Service: None
• IRA Eligible: Yes
• Obverse: Raphael Maklouf's portrait of Queen Elizabeth II with inscriptions of "ELIZABETH II," "AUSTRALIA," and "15 DOLLARS."
• Reverse: A rabbit sitting in grass with the Chinese character for "Rabbit," designed by Louise Pinder, including inscriptions "1/10 OZ 9999 GOLD" and "1999."

Investment Appeal

The 1999 1/10 oz Australian Gold Lunar Rabbit combines multiple factors that make it an exceptional investment opportunity. Its four-nines (0.9999) purity ensures maximum gold content, while its IRA eligibility provides flexibility for retirement planning. The coin's status as legal tender in Australia adds an additional layer of security and legitimacy beyond its intrinsic gold value.

Most significantly, the extremely limited mintage of only 8,799 coins has created a natural scarcity that continues to drive collector demand. As part of the prestigious Lunar Series I, these coins have consistently demonstrated strong secondary market performance, often commanding substantial premiums over their gold content. This combination of precious metal value, numismatic appeal, and historical significance creates a powerful investment trifecta rarely found in modern minting.

For serious collectors, this coin represents a crucial piece in completing a Lunar Series I collection. For investors, it offers portfolio diversification through physical precious metals with additional numismatic upside potential. Whether purchased as a cultural treasure, a zodiac keepsake, or a strategic investment, the 1999 Gold Rabbit continues to captivate the imagination and reward its owners with both beauty and value appreciation potential.