2023 Silver 1oz Year of the Rabbit by the Perth Mint

Perth Mint Silver 1oz Rabbit $1 Coin – Lunar Series

The Perth Mint 1oz Silver Rabbit $1 coin is part of the Australian Lunar Series, which celebrates the Chinese Zodiac. The Year of the Rabbit coins have been released in various years, including 1999, 2011, and 2023, following the 12-year cycle of the Chinese lunar calendar. These coins are struck in .999 or .9999 fine silver, making them highly sought after by both collectors and investors.

Historical Background

The Perth Mint, one of Australia's most renowned mints, introduced the Lunar Series I in 1996, followed by Lunar Series II in 2008, and Lunar Series III in 2020. Each series features different artistic depictions of the zodiac animal for that year.

For collectors, the Silver Rabbit coin is particularly special, as it represents prosperity, kindness, and good fortune, traits associated with the Rabbit in Chinese astrology.

Year of the Rabbit Coin Releases

• 1999 (Lunar Series I) – The first Year of the Rabbit silver coin in the Perth Mint's lunar series.
• 2011 (Lunar Series II) – A new design with improved minting technology and increased mintage.
• 2023 (Lunar Series III) – The latest release, featuring a modern rabbit design with a fresh artistic style.

Design Features

Obverse (Front)

• Features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by either Ian Rank-Broadley (1999, 2011) or Jody Clark (2023).
• The inscription includes:
  ➡ "ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA"
  ➡ Face value "$1"
  ➡ Silver purity and weight (e.g., "1 oz 999 SILVER")

Reverse (Back)

• Depicts a detailed illustration of a rabbit, varying by series:
  • 1999: A sitting rabbit with ears alert, surrounded by grass.
  • 2011: A pair of rabbits in a natural setting.
  • 2023: A dynamic, modern depiction of a rabbit mid-movement.
• The Chinese character for "Rabbit" (兔) is inscribed.
• The year of issue (e.g., "1999", "2011", "2023").
• "P" Mintmark indicating the Perth Mint.

Specifications

• Metal: Pure Silver (.999 or .9999)
• Weight: 1 Troy Ounce (31.1g)
• Diameter: ~40.6 mm
• Thickness: ~2.98 mm
• Face Value: $1 AUD (Legal tender in Australia)
• Finish: Bullion-Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) 
• Mint: Perth Mint, Australia

Collectibility and Value

The Year of the Rabbit silver coins are highly sought after for their limited mintage, beautiful designs, and investment-grade silver content. The 1999 Rabbit is particularly valuable due to its lower mintage in Lunar Series I. Proof versions and graded coins (e.g., NGC/PF-70) tend to fetch higher prices in the market.