Lunar II: Year of the Mouse 1 oz Silver 2008 PROOF

"The images on the reverse are modelled on the basis of the Chinese lunar calendar. The Chinese calendar used in China since the 2nd century BC, a lunar-solar calendar that divides the year into 12 months of 29 and 30 days each. Every so often - 7 times during the 19-year cycle - a 13th month is added. This is the so-called Meton of Athens cycle (analogous to the Babylonian calendar). The months have no names, only numbers, and are divided into decades. Over time, the Chinese lunar-solar calendar evolved into a solar calendar. The Chinese calendar consists of sixty-year cycles, which are a combination of twelve earthly branches (earthly branches) represented by 12 animals and five heavenly trunks represented by five elements: water, earth, wood, fire, metal - each in a yin or yang variant. It is based on the precise observation of the height of the sun and the phases of the moon. According to the lunar calendar, each of these 12 animals has a tremendous impact on those born in the year of its ''reign''.'' Year of the Mouse (Year of the Rat), is a coin from the Lunar I series. Its extraordinary beauty and careful craftsmanship makes this coin not only for those who want to safeguard their capital, but also for those who appreciate collector value. The value of the Lunar series coins increases year by year, so you do not have to worry about losing your capital. They are made of 0.9999 silver and issued in weights from 1/2 ounce to 10kg.

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The obverse of the coin is invariably decorated with an image of Queen Elizabeth II with the weight, year and country of issue. The reverse of the coin, depending on the year of issue, features portraits of animals from the Chinese calendar: Year of the Rat (2008), Year of the Buffalo (2009), Year of the Tiger (2010), Year of the Rabbit (2011), Year of the Dragon (2012), Year of the Snake (2013), Year of the Horse (2014), Year of the Goat (2015), Year of the Monkey (2016), Year of the Rooster (2017).

Cap in mint condition, packaging bears visible signs of use.