Cairns Bullion is proud to present the 2008 1/10th oz Australian Lunar Series Mouse Gold Coin from The Perth Mint.
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. 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 mouse is the first animal in the 12 year-cycle of the Chinese zodiac. People born under the influence of this sign are said to be highly spirited with sharp wit and the ability to adapt to any circumstances.
Coin Highlights:
The obverse features Ian Rank-Broadley's effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and inscriptions that include ELIZABETH II, AUSTRALIA, 1/4OZ 9999 GOLD, 2008 and 25 DOLLARS.
The reverse features a mouse on a bed of stones with peppers in the background with inscriptions 'YEAR OF THE MOUSE' and the Chinese character for "Mouse" with the Perth Mint's traditional "P" mintmark.
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