The Australian Perth Mint has been minting gold bullion coins based on the Chinese Lunar year since 1996 called the Australian Lunar Series. Each year features a different animal based on the Chinese Lunar calendar.

Mouse (1996), Ox (1997), Tiger (1998), Rabbit (1999), Dragon (2000), Snake (2001), Horse (2002), Goat (2003), Monkey (2004), Rooster (2005), Dog (2006), Pig (2007).

All these coins are all 99.9% pure gold and most come in 1/10th or 1/20th; however, there are also 1oz. coins available. This series is limited mintage increasing the collectors’ demand. Maximum mintage of each year’s design are limited to: 30,000 for 1ounce; 60,000 for 1/4 oz; 80,000 for 1/10 oz; and 100,000 1/20oz. In addition to the limited production, each coin comes in a protective plastic pouch.

Created due to popular demand from international investors, the gold Lunar Coin Series II will begin in 2008 with the Year of the Mouse.