2020 Perth Mint Lunar Mouse 1/10 oz 9999 Gold Proof Coin

Our landmark Australian coin program begins its third cycle with the release of the 2020 Year of the Mouse. A perfect keepsake and tribute for those born in 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972 and every 12th preceding year. This endearing mouse design is flawlessly struck with our renowned proof standard combining a mirror-like polished background with delicately frosted relief and crafted from 99.99% pure gold.

According to Chinese mythology, the arrangement of the animals in the ancient culture’s zodiac was determined by a race. This event decided where the animals would be placed in the lunar calendar by the order in which they reached the opposite side of the river. In one interpretation of this tale, the mouse tricked his neighbour, the cat, who was said to have bullied the small creature, and rode on the ox’s back to win first place.

The coin’s reverse portrays a mouse among stalks of wheat. Also included in the design is the Chinese character for ‘mouse’, the inscription ‘MOUSE 2020’ and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.

Mouse coins are available in 1/10oz (2,500), 1/4oz (3,500) and 1oz (1,000).

As an exciting new addition to the 12-year Australian Lunar coin series, each shipper in the Australian Lunar Series III will portray the story of how that animal came to occupy their position in the zodiac. The shippers of coins in the Lunar Series III will, when arranged in order, form a diorama depicting all the animals in The Great Race. This ancient myth tells how the Chinese zodiac came into being.

Each coin is presented in a prestigious red display case with geometric magnetic lid and adorned with gold lettering and a geometric design.

Coin Highlights:

• Made from .9999 fine gold with a weight of 1/10 troy oz
• Struck at the Perth Mint
• Brilliant Uncirculated condition
• Comes in a prestigious red display case
• Face value of $15 AUD
• Obverse: Features the left-facing bust of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by artist Jody Clark. Inscriptions: “ELIZABETH II”, “AUSTRALIA”, as well as the weight, denomination, and purity of the coin.
• Reverse: Shows a happy mouse climbing stalks of wheat. Inscriptions: “MOUSE”, “2020”, the Chinese symbol for “mouse”, and “P”