2008 CANADIAN $15 CHINESE LUNAR CALENDAR: YEAR OF THE RAT STERLING SILVER & GOLD-PLATED CAMEO COIN

 

Centuries ago, the Chinese invented a calendar based on the lunar - rather than the solar - cycle. In 1998, the Royal Canadian Mint, inaugurated a remarkable series of coins featuring the animal symbols of Chinese astrology based on the Lunar Calendar. These symbols roughly approximate the signs of the zodiac in western culture, however, denote years instead of months. 

 

Design

All 12 of the Lunar animals - the Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Sheep, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog, and the Pig - appear in a circular arrangement around the rim of each coin, with a different animal highlighted each year in a central cameo.

2008 commemorates the Year of the Rat - the perfect coin gift for anyone born in the year of the rat.

 

Packaging

Each $15 Chinese Lunar Calendar Coin comes encapsulated in a red velvet and gold moire presentation box and includes the Certificate of Authenticity

#33222

 

Specifications

Mintage:48,888

Composition:92.5% silver, 7.5% copper, 24-karat gold cameo

Finish:Proof

Weight:34 g

Diameter:40 mm

Certificate:IncludedFace value:15 dollars