Perth Mint Lunar Series I Silver Coins

The Launch of Lunar Silver Coins by Perth Mint with Series I

The Perth Mint Lunar Series I is widely regarded as the most important modern lunar coin collection ever produced. Released between 1999 and 2010, the series transformed the global lunar coin market and established Perth Mint as the world leader in Chinese Zodiac-themed precious metal coins.

Today, collectors around the world actively pursue Lunar Series I silver coins because of their low mintages, beautiful designs, and historical significance. Many issues have become extremely difficult to locate, while complete sets command substantial premiums in the secondary market.

For serious collectors, Lunar Series I remains the foundation of modern lunar coin collecting.

The 12 Animals of Lunar Series I

For collectors, a complete 1999–2010 Lunar Series I Silver Set is considered one of the most important modern Perth Mint collections.

Silver Release Year	Lunar Animal
1999	Rabbit
2000	Dragon
2001	Snake
2002	Horse
2003	Goat
2004	Monkey
2005	Rooster
2006	Dog
2007	Pig
2008	Mouse
2009	Ox
2010	Tiger

 

Although the series officially began in 1996, silver coins were first introduced in 1999 with the Rabbit.

To complete the silver collection, Perth Mint later released Mouse, Ox, and Tiger coins in 2008–2010 using the original Series I designs.

Lunar Series I Silver Bullion Coins

The silver bullion collection became one of Perth Mint's most successful products.

Silver Purity

• 99.9% Pure Silver

Standard Bullion Sizes

• 1kg

• 10oz

• 2oz

• 1oz

• 1/2oz

Additional sizes introduced in 2004:

• 1/2kg

• 5oz

Bullion Release Schedule

July

Every year, the Perth Mint traditionally launched the new Lunar bullion coins during July, making them one of the most anticipated releases in the bullion market.

1oz Silver Bullion Coin

The flagship silver bullion release.

Maximum Mintage

300,000 Coins Worldwide

The 1oz silver bullion coin was the only bullion issue with a strict mintage cap.

Popular Bullion Mintages

Animal	Year	Mintage
Rabbit	1999	63,644
Dragon	2000	118,697
Snake	2001	71,301
Horse	2002	99,632
Goat	2003	102,164
Monkey	2004	105,680
Rooster	2005	92,691
Dog	2006	98,825
Pig	2007	87,009

 

The 2000 Dragon remains one of the most sought-after bullion coins of the entire series.

Silver Proof Coins (In presentation box)

The proof series showcased the Lunar artwork at its highest quality.

Every proof coin was presented in an official Perth Mint display case with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Release Schedule

August

1oz Silver Proof Coin

Packaging

• Presentation Box

• Certificate of Authenticity

Maximum Mintage

2,500 Coins

These coins are among the most popular collector releases in Series I.

1/2oz Silver Proof Coin

Packaging

• Presentation Box

• Certificate

Maximum Mintage

5,000 Coins

The half-ounce proofs offer a lower entry point while maintaining strong collectability.

1kg Silver Proof Coin

Packaging

• Premium timber presentation case

• Certificate of Authenticity

Maximum Mintage

250–500 Coins

The 1kg proof remains one of the rarest and most impressive Lunar Series I silver coins.

Silver Three-Coin Proof Set

The most desirable annual proof release.

Release Schedule

September

Contents

• 2oz Silver Proof

• 1oz Silver Proof

• 1/2oz Silver Proof

Maximum Mintage

1,000 Sets Worldwide

Because only 1,000 sets were produced for each animal, complete twelve-animal collections are extremely difficult to assemble.

Animals Available

• Rabbit
• Dragon
• Snake
• Horse
• Goat
• Monkey
• Rooster
• Dog
• Pig
• Mouse
• Ox
• Tiger

Collectors consider these sets among the key rarities of the entire Lunar Series I program.

Silver Coloured Proof Coin (In Presentation box)

Perth Mint pioneered the use of colour on modern silver lunar coins.

The coloured proof editions became instant collector favourites.

Release Schedule

September

Packaging

• Official Perth Mint presentation box

• Certificate of Authenticity

Maximum Mintage

Approximately 7,000 Coins

The colour application brought the Zodiac animals to life and created a completely different appearance from the standard proof coins.

Silver Coloured Coins ( In Capsule)

Collectors wanting coloured designs at a more affordable price often chose the capsule versions.

Release Schedule

September

Packaging

• Protective capsule

Typical Maximum Mintages

Size	Maximum Mintage
1oz	38,000
1/2oz	38,000
2oz	28,000
5oz	8,800
10oz	5,000
1kg	6,800

 

The 2005 Rooster series is a good example of the wide range of coloured silver products offered during Series I.

Silver Gilded Coins

The gilded series became one of Perth Mint's signature collector products.

Each coin featured selective 24-carat gold gilding applied to the Zodiac animal.

Gilded Coin ( In Capsule)

Release Schedule

October

Packaging

• Capsule

Maximum Mintage

50,000 Coins

Gilded Coin (In Presentation box )

Release Schedule

October

Packaging

• Official Perth Mint display case

• Certificate

Maximum Mintage

50,000 Coins

The Dragon, Mouse, Ox, Tiger, and Pig gilded coins are among the strongest performers in the secondary market.

Why Lunar Series I Is So Popular

1. First Perth Mint Lunar Program

Series I launched a collecting phenomenon that continues today through Lunar Series III.

2. Low Mintages

Many products had exceptionally low mintages:

Product	Mintage
1kg Proof	250–500
Three-Coin Set	1,000
2oz Proof	1,000
1oz Proof	2,500
1/2oz Proof	5,000
Coloured Proof	7,000
Gilded Coin	50,000

3. Complete Zodiac Appeal

Collectors naturally want all twelve animals, creating strong demand for earlier releases.

4. Innovation

Series I introduced:

• Coloured Coins
• Gilded Coins
• Diamond Eye Coins
• Gemstone Coins
• Lenticular Coins
• Special Collector Sets

Many of these concepts later influenced modern Perth Mint releases.

Lunar Series I Annual Release Calendar

Month	Product
July	Silver Bullion Coins
August	1oz Proof, 1/2oz Proof, 1kg Proof
September	Three-Coin Proof Set, Coloured Proof Box, Coloured Capsule
October	Gilded Coin Box, Gilded Coin Capsule

Final Thoughts

Perth Mint Lunar Series I is more than a coin collection—it is the series that revolutionized modern lunar coin collecting. With stunning Zodiac designs, limited mintages, premium presentation formats, and worldwide demand, Series I remains one of the most respected and collected silver coin programs ever produced.

From the 1999 Rabbit to the legendary 2000 Dragon and the final 2007 Pig, Lunar Series I established a legacy that continues to influence collectors and investors around the world. For many enthusiasts, it remains the finest lunar silver collection ever created by the Perth Mint.