2016 Perth Mint Year of The Monkey Silver Coin

The 2016 1 oz Silver "Year of the Monkey" bullion coin by the Perth Mint is the ninth annual release in the acclaimed Lunar Series II. Here’s a detailed look at this collectible:

🪙 Key Specifications

• Metal & Purity: 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver 

• Diameter: 45.60 mm; Thickness: approx. 2.6 mm 

• Weight: 31.135 g gross (31.103 g net silver content) 

• Face Value: AUD 1, legal tender in Australia 

• Mintage: Limited to 300,000 coins

🎨 Design

🔹 Reverse (Monkey Design)

• Depicts an adult monkey and baby perched on a peach tree branch, with the infant holding a peach—symbolizing longevity and immortality.

• Includes the inscription “Year of the Monkey”, the Chinese character for “monkey,” and the Perth Mint’s "P"mintmark 11.

• Designed by Ing Ing Jong 

🔹 Obverse (Royal Portrait)

• Features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, with inscriptions: “ELIZABETH II,” “AUSTRALIA,” year “2016,” weight, purity, and denomination 

📅 Release & Series Information

• Part of New Lunar Series II, which began in 2008 and concludes with the Year of the Pig in 2019

• Officially released on 5 October 2015, ahead of the Chinese Year of the Monkey (2 Feb 2016–27 Jan 2017)

💡 Cultural Significance

• The Monkey, ninth in the zodiac, represents intelligence, wit, optimism, and adventure—traits celebrated in Chinese tradition

• It makes a meaningful gift for those born during the Monkey year.

💼 Packaging & Market

• Sold as bullion — brilliant uncirculated, housed in protective capsules; rolls of 20 also availables

• Backed by the Australian Government for purity, weight, and legal tender value

💰 Value Proposition

• Collectible & Bullion Hybrid: Limited mintage ensures collectibility, while .999 silver content supports intrinsic value. Ideal for both investors and collectors.

• Series Continuity: Collectors appreciate the consistent quality and annual design evolution of the Lunar II series.

📝 Summary

The 2016 1 oz Silver Year of the Monkey coin from the Perth Mint combines elegant artistry, cultural resonance, and bullion reliability. With its sizeable but limited mintage and exquisite design, it’s a standout within the Lunar Series and a treasured piece for those who value both tradition and precious metal wealth.