2016 1 oz Australia Gold Lunar Monkey BU – Series II

The 2016 1 oz Australia Gold Lunar Monkey BU – Series II coin stands at the intersection of ancient tradition and modern numismatic artistry. This magnificent piece celebrates the Year of the Monkey in the Chinese zodiac calendar, a tradition dating back thousands of years that continues to influence cultural practices worldwide. The monkey, ninth in the 12-year cycle, represents intelligence, wit, and problem-solving abilities in Chinese culture.

When the Perth Mint launched their Lunar Series in 1996, they created a bridge between Eastern zodiac symbolism and Western precious metals investment. The original series gained such popularity that Series II was introduced, continuing this celebrated tradition with enhanced artistic elements and production quality. The 2016 Monkey represents the ninth installment in this second series, carrying forward the artistic excellence and cultural significance that collectors have come to expect.

In Chinese tradition, those born under the Year of the Monkey are considered naturally active, clever, and excellent problem-solvers. The monkey's human-like traits have earned it respect and esteem in Chinese culture, where it's often viewed as the most intelligent of the zodiac animals. This cultural reverence is beautifully captured in the coin's design, which showcases the symbolic connection between the animal and qualities like wisdom and quick thinking.

Beyond its cultural significance, this coin represents a fascinating chapter in Australia's minting history. The Perth Mint, Australia's oldest operating mint, has masterfully balanced traditional craftsmanship with modern minting techniques to create a piece that appeals to both collectors and investors. The mint's reputation for producing gold pieces of exceptional quality ensures that each Lunar Series coin meets the highest standards of metalwork and artistic detail.

As part of a limited mintage series with a maximum of just 30,000 coins produced, this Lunar Monkey coin offers both scarcity and beauty. The coin's .9999 fine gold purity further enhances its appeal, making it not merely a collector's item but a tangible store of wealth that can be passed down through generations.

Design Features

The reverse of this magnificent coin features an artistically rendered adult monkey sitting on the branch of a peach tree. This thoughtful design by Ing Ing Jong beautifully marries cultural symbolism with detailed craftsmanship. In Chinese tradition, the peach tree represents longevity and immortality, adding layers of meaning to the composition. The monkey holds a peach delicately in its grasp, further emphasizing these themes of prosperity and long life. The words "Year of the Monkey" are inscribed along with the Chinese character that represents this zodiac sign, completing this culturally rich design.

The obverse showcases the iconic portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Ian Rank-Broadley. This regal depiction affirms the coin's status as legal tender under Australian law. Accompanying Her Majesty's effigy are inscriptions detailing the coin's monetary denomination (100 Australian Dollars), year of issue (2016), weight, purity, and metal content. This side of the coin connects it to the Commonwealth tradition while the reverse celebrates Eastern cultural heritage, creating a harmonious blend of East and West.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: GOLD – Hedge
• Purity: 0.9999
• Weight: 1 oz
• Grade: BU – Brilliant Uncirculated
• Manufacturer: The Perth Mint
• Mint Mark: P – Perth
• IRA Eligible: Yes
• Obverse: Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II with monetary denomination and specifications.
• Reverse: Adult monkey sitting on a peach tree branch with "Year of the Monkey" inscription and Chinese character.

Investment Appeal

This 2016 Gold Lunar Monkey coin represents a perfect balance of numismatic appeal and investment potential. With its .9999 pure gold content, this one-ounce coin provides a tangible hedge against economic uncertainty while offering the additional benefits of collector demand. The limited mintage of just 30,000 coins worldwide creates a natural scarcity that has historically supported strong secondary market performance for the Lunar Series.

The Perth Mint's global reputation for excellence ensures this coin is recognized and liquid in markets throughout the world. Its IRA eligibility adds another dimension of investment utility, allowing it to be included in precious metals retirement accounts for those seeking to diversify beyond traditional financial assets.

The combination of precious metal content, artistic beauty, cultural significance, and limited availability makes this coin particularly attractive to both serious collectors and strategic investors. As the ninth coin in the Lunar Series II, it also appeals to completist collectors working to assemble the entire zodiac series, potentially driving increased demand as the series progresses toward completion. Whether you're drawn to its cultural symbolism, artistic beauty, or investment potential, this Gold Lunar Monkey offers enduring value that transcends market fluctuations.