Australian Opal Lunar Series 2026 – Year of the Horse 1oz Silver Proof Coin
Genuine Australian Opal | Proof 99.99% Silver | Limited Mintage 6,000
The Perth Mint is delighted to present the 2026 Australian Opal Lunar Series – Year of the Horse 1oz Silver Proof Coin, a striking fusion of precious metal artistry and Australia’s most iconic gemstone. Featuring a beautifully crafted opal horse centrepiece, this elegant release is a meaningful keepsake for Lunar New Year celebrations and a prized collectible for those born under the sign of the Horse.
Struck from 1oz of 99.99% pure silver to immaculate Proof quality, this coin continues the much-loved Australian Opal Lunar Series, renowned worldwide for its innovative use of genuine Australian opal and consistently strong collector demand.
🐎 The Year of the Horse
According to Chinese tradition, the emperor ordered a Great Race to determine the order of the 12 animals in the lunar calendar. As a result of this legendary contest, the resilient Horse secured seventh place in the zodiac.
Those born under the sign of the Chinese Lunar Horse (2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, and every 12th preceding year) are said to be:
- Independent
- Charismatic
- Energetic and adventurous
- Passionate and inspiring
This coin beautifully captures those qualities in precious metal and opal.
✨ Australian Opal – Nature’s Living Gem
Australia supplies the overwhelming majority of the world’s opal, a mesmerising gemstone prized for its vibrant play of colour. In this release, pure Australian opal forms a circular central panel, bringing life, brilliance, and depth to the horse motif.
With previous Opal Lunar coins selling out rapidly, the Year of the Horse Opal is expected to be another highly sought-after addition to the series.
🎨 Year of the Horse Design
The reverse incorporates a circular opal panel featuring a horse, crafted from genuine Australian opal. Surrounding struck silver elements include intricate patterning with stylised depictions of marigold, a flower traditionally regarded as lucky for those born in the Year of the Horse.
The design also includes:
- The inscription ‘YEAR OF THE HORSE’
- The Chinese character for Horse
- The 2026 year-date
- The coin’s weight and purity
- The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark
The obverse bears the Dan Thorne effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, confirming the coin’s status as Australian legal tender.
