The Lunar or Shēngxiào (生肖) coin series is a collection of British coins issued by the Royal Mint that features the Chinese zodiac to celebrate Chinese New Year. First issued in 2014, the series includes coins in various denominations of silver and gold, available as both bullion and proof coins.
Year of the Horse 2014
The reverse design shows a galloping horse against the background of the Uffington White Horse in Oxfordshire. The coin’s inscription reads “YEAR OF THE HORSE · 2014,” along with details of the coin’s mass and metal content. The Chinese character for Horse (馬) is displayed near the center.
Mule Version
In March 2014, it was discovered that some 1oz bullion coins were struck with the wrong die. About 38,000 Lunar Horse coins were mistakenly struck with a Britannia obverse, while 17,000 Britannia coins had the Lunar Horse obverse.
Year of the Sheep 2015
The reverse design features two Yorkshire Swaledale sheep facing each other, set against a background of trees. The design incorporates the ancient Chinese character for sheep (羊), which resembles a tree. The inscription reads “YEAR OF THE SHEEP · 2015,” along with details of the coin’s mass and metal content.
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Year of the Monkey 2016
The reverse design shows a leaping rhesus monkey with another monkey in the background. The inscription reads “YEAR OF THE MONKEY · 2016,” along with details of the coin’s mass and metal content. The Chinese character for Monkey (猴) is displayed in the lower right.
Year of the Rooster 2017
The reverse design depicts a crowing rooster among ten sea thrift flowers, with the number ten symbolizing perfection in Chinese culture. The inscription reads “YEAR OF THE ROOSTER · 2017,” along with details of the coin’s mass and metal content. The Chinese character for Rooster (雞) is near the center. Unlike previous coins, the 2017 coin features a Britannia-like obverse design.
Year of the Dog 2018
The reverse design shows a joyful dog leaping across waves. The design includes a hidden motif created from a dog’s nose print. The Chinese character for Dog (狗) is displayed near the center. The coin features a signature that resembles an ancient character.
Year of the Pig 2019
The reverse design shows a female pig (sow) with five piglets, set against the background of an English Cottage. The Chinese character for Pig (豬) is displayed below the sow’s head.
Year of the Rat 2020
The reverse design features a rat in a twisting pose, surrounded by peonies. The design includes the Chinese character for Rat (鼠), which echoes the shape of the rat’s face and jaw.
Year of the Ox 2021
The reverse design features an Ox in an English landscape, inspired by eighteenth-century British paintings of prize cattle. The Chinese character for Ox (牛) is displayed near the center.
Year of the Tiger 2022
The 2022 coin features a tiger facing forward. The reverse design by David Lawrence includes the Chinese character for Tiger (虎).
Year of the Rabbit 2023
The 2023 coin depicts a rabbit and falling oak leaves. It is the last coin in the series to feature Queen Elizabeth II. The reverse design by Louie Maryon includes the Chinese character for Rabbit (兔).
Year of the Dragon 2024
The 2024 coin features a dragon and is the first coin in the series to depict King Charles III. The reverse design by William Webb shows a Chinese dragon flying over a forest, with the Chinese character for Dragon (龍).
Year of the Snake 2025
The 2025 coin will feature the Snake and complete the 12-sign cycle of the Chinese zodiac.
Face Values
- Silver: £2 (1 oz), £10 (5 oz), £500 (1 kg)
- Gold: £10 (1/10 oz), £100 (1 oz), £500 (5 oz), £1000 (1 kg)
Mintage Figures
- 2014: Horse – 300,000 (1 oz), 8,888 (Proof), 1,488 (5 oz)
- 2015: Sheep – 188,888 (1 oz), 9,888 (Proof), 2,015 (5 oz)
- 2016: Monkey – 138,888 (1 oz), 8,054 (Proof), 2,016 (5 oz)
- 2017: Rooster – 138,888 (1 oz), 3,888 (Proof), 388 (5 oz)
- 2018: Dog – 138,888 (1 oz), 5,008 (Proof), 388 (5 oz)
- 2019: Pig – 138,888 (1 oz), 3,888 (Proof), 288 (5 oz)
- 2020: Rat – 138,888 (1 oz), 3,898 (Proof), 198 (5 oz)
- 2021: Ox – 138,888 (1 oz), 3,998 (Proof), 198 (5 oz)
- 2022: Tiger – 138,888 (1 oz), 3,998 (Proof), 228 (5 oz)
- 2023: Rabbit – 138,888 (1 oz), 2,888 (Proof), 228 (5 oz)
- 2024: Dragon – 138,888 (1 oz), 3,898 (Proof), 288 (5 oz)
Conclusion
The Lunar or Shēngxiào coin series by the Royal Mint is a unique collection celebrating the Chinese zodiac and Chinese New Year. Since its inception in 2014, the series has featured intricate designs by various artists, showcasing each zodiac animal in a British cultural context. These coins, available in both silver and gold, come in various denominations and have become popular among collectors. Each coin highlights the respective zodiac sign’s Chinese character and includes specific design elements that reflect both Eastern and Western influences. The series will complete its 12-sign cycle with the release of the Year of the Snake coin in 2025, marking a significant milestone in numismatic history.