Lunar I: Year of the Mouse 1 oz Silver 2008

Lunar I: Year of the Mouse 1 oz Silver 2008 is the inaugural release of the prestigious Australian Lunar Series I, produced by The Perth Mint. The coin opens the twelve-year cycle inspired by the Chinese lunar calendar and simultaneously launches one of the most recognizable collectible-investment series worldwide.

The Year of the Mouse holds a special place in Chinese astrology, as it is the mouse that begins the entire zodiac cycle. It symbolizes intelligence, cleverness, adaptability, and the ability to seize opportunities. In Far Eastern tradition, this sign is also associated with entrepreneurship and determination, which is why issues featuring the mouse have long enjoyed strong interest among collectors.

The coin is struck from pure 999 fine silver (Ag 999), with a weight of 1 troy ounce and a diameter of 40.6 mm. It has a face value of 1 Australian dollar and legal tender status in Australia. The piece features a reeded edge and is offered in a plastic capsule for safe storage and display.

The Lunar I series has earned acclaim thanks to annually changing reverse designs, cohesive styling, and high minting quality. The 2008 issue, as the first in the entire cycle, is often regarded as an important starting point for building a complete set of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac.

Obverse of the coin depicts Queen Elizabeth II, along with her name, the issuing country, and the face value.

Reverse features a detailed image of a mouse, complemented by the Chinese character symbolizing the Year of the Mouse and information on the weight and silver purity.