Royal Mint: Lunar - Year of the Dog 1/4 oz Gold 2018
"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 profound influence on those born in the year of its 'reign'."The obverse is modified in each odd-numbered year of issue. It features an image of the Queen of England, Elizabeth II, wearing a crown. It can also be seen on the face value. 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). Do you need help? Do you have any questions?Ask a question and we'll respond promptly, publishing the most interesting questions and answers for others. 
