The 1996 Australia Gold Lunar Rat is a 1/10 oz gold coin struck in .9999 fine gold by The Perth Mint as part of the original Australian Lunar Series I program. Issued under Australian legal tender authority, this coin marks the Year of the Rat in the Chinese zodiac and holds the distinction of being the very first release in what would become one of the most celebrated lunar coin programs in the world. We carry this coin in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, reflecting its carefully preserved original mint state.
The Lunar Series I occupies a respected place in both bullion and numismatic collecting circles, appealing to buyers drawn to fractional gold formats, zodiac themes, and limited-year issues from a premier sovereign mint. Its combination of recognized weight, exceptional purity, and cultural significance makes it a distinctive piece within any gold collection.
The Perth Mint introduced the Australian Lunar Series I in 1996, beginning with the Year of the Rat. The program was designed to celebrate the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, with each coin issued in a single calendar year
…The 1996 Australia Gold Lunar Rat is a 1/10 oz gold coin struck in .9999 fine gold by The Perth Mint as part of the original Australian Lunar Series I program. Issued under Australian legal tender authority, this coin marks the Year of the Rat in the Chinese zodiac and holds the distinction of being the very first release in what would become one of the most celebrated lunar coin programs in the world. We carry this coin in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, reflecting its carefully preserved original mint state.
The Lunar Series I occupies a respected place in both bullion and numismatic collecting circles, appealing to buyers drawn to fractional gold formats, zodiac themes, and limited-year issues from a premier sovereign mint. Its combination of recognized weight, exceptional purity, and cultural significance makes it a distinctive piece within any gold collection.
The Perth Mint introduced the Australian Lunar Series I in 1996, beginning with the Year of the Rat. The program was designed to celebrate the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, with each coin issued in a single calendar year corresponding to its zodiac cycle. The Rat coin, as the inaugural release, carries particular significance within the series since it established the design language and collectible identity that defined all twelve subsequent issues.
The Perth Mint itself has operated continuously since 1899, originally established as a branch of the British Royal Mint to process gold from Western Australia's gold rush era. Over the course of more than a century, it has evolved into one of the world's foremost precious metals mints, widely respected for its minting precision and the quality of its collectible and bullion programs. The Lunar Series I ran through 2007, concluding with the Year of the Pig, and has since been followed by two additional lunar series that built on the original program's foundation.
Because the Rat is the first animal in the twelve-year zodiac cycle and the 1996 coin was the first issue in the entire Series I program, collector demand for this specific year has remained consistently strong relative to other years in the run.
The reverse of the 1996 Lunar Rat features a detailed depiction of a rat set against a backdrop that draws from traditional Chinese artistic motifs. The design communicates both cultural authenticity and refined engraving craft, with the year of issue and the coin's weight and purity inscribed alongside the central image. The composition reflects The Perth Mint's consistent attention to thematic detail across its collectible programs.
The obverse carries the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, standard to Australian coins of this era, accompanied by the face value denomination and the country of issue. The "P" mint mark identifying Perth production appears on the coin and serves as a mark of origin for collectors who track provenance by mint. The coin's surfaces in BU condition display the bright, unblemished finish characteristic of pieces that have never entered circulation.
At 1/10 oz, this coin offers an entry point into the Lunar Series I that requires a smaller outlay than the one-ounce version while delivering the same .9999 purity and official mint origin. Fractional gold tends to carry a higher premium per troy ounce than full-ounce equivalents, which reflects the proportionally greater production cost and the added flexibility that smaller denominations offer buyers who prefer to manage gold holdings in smaller increments.
For collectors focused on assembling a complete Lunar Series I set across multiple fractional sizes, the 1/10 oz Rat is one of the more challenging pieces to locate in consistently high-grade condition, given that it was issued nearly three decades ago and surviving BU examples are not always plentiful in the secondary market.
Every coin we handle is verified for authenticity, weight, and purity before it reaches a customer. The Perth Mint's .9999 fine gold standard is among the strictest applied to sovereign-minted bullion coins, and coins from this series were produced under the mint's rigorous quality controls. As authorized dealers for both PCGS and NGC, we are equipped to facilitate professional third-party grading and certification for customers who want added authentication documentation on collectible pieces.
The Perth Mint's standing as a sovereign institution and its reputation for exacting production standards are well established across the global bullion market. Coins bearing the "P" mint mark from this era are widely recognized and verifiable within the collector and dealer communities.
Brilliant Uncirculated describes a coin that has been produced to a high standard of finish and has never entered general circulation. BU coins retain their original mint luster and surface quality, though they are distinguished from proof coins by their production method and the absence of the mirrored field contrast typical of proof strikes. This coin grades as BU, indicating it left the mint in an unblemished state appropriate for both collection and handling.
Individual coins ship in a protective plastic flip to prevent contact damage during transit. A standard tube of 1/10 oz Australian Lunar coins typically holds 10 pieces, and larger quantities ship in sealed tubes or boxes as applicable. For BU examples of a coin from 1996, original Perth Mint packaging may or may not accompany the coin depending on the individual piece; any included packaging will be noted where relevant.
The base price of this coin moves with the spot price of gold, with the final purchase price reflecting a premium above spot. For a fractional coin of this type, that premium accounts for both the standard costs associated with 1/10 oz production and an additional collectible premium tied to the coin's age, series significance, and limited surviving supply in BU condition. The 1996 Rat consistently commands stronger premiums than mid-series Lunar I issues due to its status as the inaugural release.
Our pricing is updated in real time to reflect current gold market conditions, and the displayed bid/ask spread gives buyers a clear view of both acquisition cost and estimated resale value. That transparency is central to how we approach pricing across the catalog.
The Australian Lunar Series I has an established secondary market both domestically and internationally, with particular depth among collectors focused on Chinese zodiac themes and Perth Mint programs. The 1/10 oz Rat, as the series opener, tends to attract interest from collectors attempting to complete sets as well as buyers drawn to its first-year-of-issue status. Standardized weight and verified purity contribute to its tradability across dealer networks.
We operate a two-way market that allows customers to sell back coins through the same platform used for purchasing. Buyback pricing is competitive and reflects real-time wholesale market conditions, giving sellers a clear picture of current liquidation value before committing to a transaction. Understanding that relationship on the front end is part of how we structure the buying experience.
This coin holds a unique position in the Lunar Series I as the first issue in the program and the first appearance of the Rat in The Perth Mint's zodiac lineup. That combination of year-one significance and zodiac symbolism makes it one of the more sought-after coins in the entire twelve-year run. Collectors building complete Series I sets often find the 1996 Rat to be among the last pieces acquired rather than the first, which says something meaningful about its relative scarcity in desirable condition.
Beyond its collectible attributes, the coin delivers .9999 fine gold in a recognized fractional format from one of the world's most respected sovereign mints. The Perth Mint's global credibility and the widespread recognition of the Lunar program support both its appeal as a collectible and its practicality as a physically held gold asset.
We have built our business since 2010 on a straightforward principle: buyers deserve accurate information, fair pricing, and a purchasing experience free from unnecessary pressure or opacity. Our A rating with the Better Business Bureau and active memberships in the American Numismatic Association and the National Coin and Bullion Association reflect a sustained commitment to professional standards across every transaction. As authorized dealers for PCGS and NGC, we can facilitate grading services for customers who want their collectible coins professionally evaluated and encapsulated.
Our two-way market model means we think about both sides of every transaction, not just the sale. Competitive buyback pricing, real-time market data, and transparent bid/ask spreads are built into the platform so customers can evaluate what they are buying and understand what it would cost to exit that position later. For a collectible like the 1996 Lunar Rat, where premium dynamics differ meaningfully from standard bullion, that kind of pricing clarity matters.
Bullion Standard Pro gives members direct access to live, executable wholesale bid and ask pricing, which is especially valuable for collectible coins where premiums can shift based on supply availability, collector demand, and changing market sentiment. Rather than relying on static retail prices, Pro members see real-time pricing that reflects actual wholesale market conditions, along with portfolio valuation based on current wholesale bid levels rather than estimated retail values.
The platform's product research and historical premium tools allow members to evaluate how a coin like the 1996 Lunar Rat has traded over time, compare its spread and liquidity characteristics against other fractional gold products, and make more informed decisions about when and at what level to transact. That kind of objective market data is what separates an informed purchase from a speculative one.
We support a wide range of payment methods to give customers flexibility at checkout without compromising transaction security. Accepted payment options include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, bank-connected payments through Plaid, wire transfer, paper check, and cryptocurrency via BitPay. Each method is processed through a secure platform designed to protect customer information throughout the transaction.
Whether you are purchasing a single fractional coin or building a larger position, the checkout process is straightforward and supported by our customer service team if any questions arise during or after the transaction.
Product ID: BST-0017171314
| Year | 1996 |
|---|---|
| Precious Metal Type | Gold |
| Bullion Coin Type | Lunar |
| Format | Coin |
| Country of Origin | Australia |
| Brand/Mint | Perth Mint |
| Mint Mark | P - Perth |
| Purity | 0.9999 |
| Weight | 0.1 oz |
| Thickness (mm) | 1.5 mm |
| Diameter (mm) | 16.1 mm |
| Inner Pack (Quantity) | 20 |
| Outer Pack (Quantity) | 100 |
| Grade | BU |
The 1996 Australia Gold Lunar Rat is a 1/10 oz gold coin struck in .9999 fine gold by The Perth Mint as part of the original Australian Lunar Series I program. Issued under Australian legal tender authority, this coin marks the Year of the Rat in the Chinese zodiac and holds the distinction of being the very first release in what would become one of the most celebrated lunar coin programs in the world. We carry this coin in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, reflecting its carefully preserved original mint state.
The Lunar Series I occupies a respected place in both bullion and numismatic collecting circles, appealing to buyers drawn to fractional gold formats, zodiac themes, and limited-year issues from a premier sovereign mint. Its combination of recognized weight, exceptional purity, and cultural significance makes it a distinctive piece within any gold collection.
The Perth Mint introduced the Australian Lunar Series I in 1996, beginning with the Year of the Rat. The program was designed to celebrate the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, with each coin issued in a single calendar year
…The 1996 Australia Gold Lunar Rat is a 1/10 oz gold coin struck in .9999 fine gold by The Perth Mint as part of the original Australian Lunar Series I program. Issued under Australian legal tender authority, this coin marks the Year of the Rat in the Chinese zodiac and holds the distinction of being the very first release in what would become one of the most celebrated lunar coin programs in the world. We carry this coin in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, reflecting its carefully preserved original mint state.
The Lunar Series I occupies a respected place in both bullion and numismatic collecting circles, appealing to buyers drawn to fractional gold formats, zodiac themes, and limited-year issues from a premier sovereign mint. Its combination of recognized weight, exceptional purity, and cultural significance makes it a distinctive piece within any gold collection.
The Perth Mint introduced the Australian Lunar Series I in 1996, beginning with the Year of the Rat. The program was designed to celebrate the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, with each coin issued in a single calendar year corresponding to its zodiac cycle. The Rat coin, as the inaugural release, carries particular significance within the series since it established the design language and collectible identity that defined all twelve subsequent issues.
The Perth Mint itself has operated continuously since 1899, originally established as a branch of the British Royal Mint to process gold from Western Australia's gold rush era. Over the course of more than a century, it has evolved into one of the world's foremost precious metals mints, widely respected for its minting precision and the quality of its collectible and bullion programs. The Lunar Series I ran through 2007, concluding with the Year of the Pig, and has since been followed by two additional lunar series that built on the original program's foundation.
Because the Rat is the first animal in the twelve-year zodiac cycle and the 1996 coin was the first issue in the entire Series I program, collector demand for this specific year has remained consistently strong relative to other years in the run.
The reverse of the 1996 Lunar Rat features a detailed depiction of a rat set against a backdrop that draws from traditional Chinese artistic motifs. The design communicates both cultural authenticity and refined engraving craft, with the year of issue and the coin's weight and purity inscribed alongside the central image. The composition reflects The Perth Mint's consistent attention to thematic detail across its collectible programs.
The obverse carries the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, standard to Australian coins of this era, accompanied by the face value denomination and the country of issue. The "P" mint mark identifying Perth production appears on the coin and serves as a mark of origin for collectors who track provenance by mint. The coin's surfaces in BU condition display the bright, unblemished finish characteristic of pieces that have never entered circulation.
At 1/10 oz, this coin offers an entry point into the Lunar Series I that requires a smaller outlay than the one-ounce version while delivering the same .9999 purity and official mint origin. Fractional gold tends to carry a higher premium per troy ounce than full-ounce equivalents, which reflects the proportionally greater production cost and the added flexibility that smaller denominations offer buyers who prefer to manage gold holdings in smaller increments.
For collectors focused on assembling a complete Lunar Series I set across multiple fractional sizes, the 1/10 oz Rat is one of the more challenging pieces to locate in consistently high-grade condition, given that it was issued nearly three decades ago and surviving BU examples are not always plentiful in the secondary market.
Every coin we handle is verified for authenticity, weight, and purity before it reaches a customer. The Perth Mint's .9999 fine gold standard is among the strictest applied to sovereign-minted bullion coins, and coins from this series were produced under the mint's rigorous quality controls. As authorized dealers for both PCGS and NGC, we are equipped to facilitate professional third-party grading and certification for customers who want added authentication documentation on collectible pieces.
The Perth Mint's standing as a sovereign institution and its reputation for exacting production standards are well established across the global bullion market. Coins bearing the "P" mint mark from this era are widely recognized and verifiable within the collector and dealer communities.
Brilliant Uncirculated describes a coin that has been produced to a high standard of finish and has never entered general circulation. BU coins retain their original mint luster and surface quality, though they are distinguished from proof coins by their production method and the absence of the mirrored field contrast typical of proof strikes. This coin grades as BU, indicating it left the mint in an unblemished state appropriate for both collection and handling.
Individual coins ship in a protective plastic flip to prevent contact damage during transit. A standard tube of 1/10 oz Australian Lunar coins typically holds 10 pieces, and larger quantities ship in sealed tubes or boxes as applicable. For BU examples of a coin from 1996, original Perth Mint packaging may or may not accompany the coin depending on the individual piece; any included packaging will be noted where relevant.
The base price of this coin moves with the spot price of gold, with the final purchase price reflecting a premium above spot. For a fractional coin of this type, that premium accounts for both the standard costs associated with 1/10 oz production and an additional collectible premium tied to the coin's age, series significance, and limited surviving supply in BU condition. The 1996 Rat consistently commands stronger premiums than mid-series Lunar I issues due to its status as the inaugural release.
Our pricing is updated in real time to reflect current gold market conditions, and the displayed bid/ask spread gives buyers a clear view of both acquisition cost and estimated resale value. That transparency is central to how we approach pricing across the catalog.
The Australian Lunar Series I has an established secondary market both domestically and internationally, with particular depth among collectors focused on Chinese zodiac themes and Perth Mint programs. The 1/10 oz Rat, as the series opener, tends to attract interest from collectors attempting to complete sets as well as buyers drawn to its first-year-of-issue status. Standardized weight and verified purity contribute to its tradability across dealer networks.
We operate a two-way market that allows customers to sell back coins through the same platform used for purchasing. Buyback pricing is competitive and reflects real-time wholesale market conditions, giving sellers a clear picture of current liquidation value before committing to a transaction. Understanding that relationship on the front end is part of how we structure the buying experience.
This coin holds a unique position in the Lunar Series I as the first issue in the program and the first appearance of the Rat in The Perth Mint's zodiac lineup. That combination of year-one significance and zodiac symbolism makes it one of the more sought-after coins in the entire twelve-year run. Collectors building complete Series I sets often find the 1996 Rat to be among the last pieces acquired rather than the first, which says something meaningful about its relative scarcity in desirable condition.
Beyond its collectible attributes, the coin delivers .9999 fine gold in a recognized fractional format from one of the world's most respected sovereign mints. The Perth Mint's global credibility and the widespread recognition of the Lunar program support both its appeal as a collectible and its practicality as a physically held gold asset.
We have built our business since 2010 on a straightforward principle: buyers deserve accurate information, fair pricing, and a purchasing experience free from unnecessary pressure or opacity. Our A rating with the Better Business Bureau and active memberships in the American Numismatic Association and the National Coin and Bullion Association reflect a sustained commitment to professional standards across every transaction. As authorized dealers for PCGS and NGC, we can facilitate grading services for customers who want their collectible coins professionally evaluated and encapsulated.
Our two-way market model means we think about both sides of every transaction, not just the sale. Competitive buyback pricing, real-time market data, and transparent bid/ask spreads are built into the platform so customers can evaluate what they are buying and understand what it would cost to exit that position later. For a collectible like the 1996 Lunar Rat, where premium dynamics differ meaningfully from standard bullion, that kind of pricing clarity matters.
Bullion Standard Pro gives members direct access to live, executable wholesale bid and ask pricing, which is especially valuable for collectible coins where premiums can shift based on supply availability, collector demand, and changing market sentiment. Rather than relying on static retail prices, Pro members see real-time pricing that reflects actual wholesale market conditions, along with portfolio valuation based on current wholesale bid levels rather than estimated retail values.
The platform's product research and historical premium tools allow members to evaluate how a coin like the 1996 Lunar Rat has traded over time, compare its spread and liquidity characteristics against other fractional gold products, and make more informed decisions about when and at what level to transact. That kind of objective market data is what separates an informed purchase from a speculative one.
We support a wide range of payment methods to give customers flexibility at checkout without compromising transaction security. Accepted payment options include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, bank-connected payments through Plaid, wire transfer, paper check, and cryptocurrency via BitPay. Each method is processed through a secure platform designed to protect customer information throughout the transaction.
Whether you are purchasing a single fractional coin or building a larger position, the checkout process is straightforward and supported by our customer service team if any questions arise during or after the transaction.
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