The immensely popular Chinese Lunar design theme is secure with the announcement of The Perth Mint’s Australian Lunar Silver Coin Series II. The new Gemstone Edition celebrates the Chinese Lunar Year of the Mouse. The 2008-dated coin is struck from 1kg of 99.9% pure silver in specimen quality.

This coin’s reverse design depicts a coloured image of two mice on a bed of straw with pumpkins and a vine in the background. As well as the inscription ‘Year of the Mouse’ and the Chinese character for ‘mouse’, the design also incorporates The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark. The spectacular reverse includes blue sapphires which have been inset in the visible eye on both mice.

Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on its obverse. The Perth Mint will release no more than 5,000 Gemstone Edition coins celebrating the 2008 Year of the Mouse.

Chinese Lunar Calendar

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.

Traditionally, the first year of the lunar cycle is ‘ruled’ by the mouse. 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’.

Year of the Mouse - 7 February 2008 to 25 January 2009

These people are said to possess enterprising spirits and are willing to work hard to achieve their goals. They love spending money and accumulating possessions. However, they should show restraint to avoid be labelled as greedy.People born in the Year of the Mouse are also regarded as quick-witted and insightful, which equips them to succeed at almost anything. Ambition fuels their success, but sometimes it’s a stumbling block, particularly if they take on too many projects at once.People born under the influence of the mouse are generally positive, cheerful, optimistic and charming, enabling them to make friends easily. They are most compatible with people born in the Years of the Dragon and Monkey.