The Perth Mint issued the second coin in its popular Australian Lunar Series II : the 2009 Year of the Ox silver proof coin. This 99.9% pure silver coin features an ox and a calf standing on grass with hills in the background, as well as the inscription ‘Year of the Ox’ and the Chinese character for ‘ox’.
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. Each animal is believed to influence the personality of the people born under its ‘rule’. People born in any year of the ox – including 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 and 2009, are patient, speak little, and inspire confidence in others. Generally easy-going, they can be remarkably stubborn, and they hate to fail or be opposed.
The first coin in the Australian Lunar Series II was the 2008 Year of the Mouse and featured two mice on a bed of straw with pumpkins in the background.
I really like this series. I wasn't born in the Year of the Ox, but still a nice one for the collection nonetheless.
Posted by: Australian Silver Coins | November 20, 2008 at 12:22 AM