The 1996 Australia Gold Lunar Rat is a fractional gold coin issued by The Perth Mint as part of the original Australian Lunar Series I program. Struck in .9999 fine gold and weighing 1/20 troy ounce, this coin represents one of the smallest denominations in the Lunar Series I lineup and carries legal tender status under the Australian government. It was released in 1996 to mark the Year of the Rat in the Chinese zodiac calendar, a milestone that opened the twelve-year cycle of this now-iconic series.
We carry this coin in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, reflecting the quality standard expected from Perth Mint production. As a government-issued gold coin bearing one of the most recognized lunar designs in the market, it occupies a distinct position between pure bullion and limited-issue collectible.
The Australian Lunar Series I launched in 1996 with the Year of the Rat, making this the inaugural coin of the entire program. The Perth Mint conceived the series to honor the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, with each coin struck for a single calendar year only, creating a natural scarcity that di
…The 1996 Australia Gold Lunar Rat is a fractional gold coin issued by The Perth Mint as part of the original Australian Lunar Series I program. Struck in .9999 fine gold and weighing 1/20 troy ounce, this coin represents one of the smallest denominations in the Lunar Series I lineup and carries legal tender status under the Australian government. It was released in 1996 to mark the Year of the Rat in the Chinese zodiac calendar, a milestone that opened the twelve-year cycle of this now-iconic series.
We carry this coin in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, reflecting the quality standard expected from Perth Mint production. As a government-issued gold coin bearing one of the most recognized lunar designs in the market, it occupies a distinct position between pure bullion and limited-issue collectible.
The Australian Lunar Series I launched in 1996 with the Year of the Rat, making this the inaugural coin of the entire program. The Perth Mint conceived the series to honor the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, with each coin struck for a single calendar year only, creating a natural scarcity that distinguishes the series from ongoing bullion programs. The Rat, the first of the twelve zodiac signs, carries particular cultural significance in Chinese tradition as a symbol of intelligence and adaptability.
The Perth Mint, established in 1899, has long been recognized as one of the world's most technically advanced and respected mints. Operating under the Gold Corporation of Western Australia and backed by a government guarantee, the mint has built a global reputation for precision striking and high-purity production. The Lunar Series I was among the programs that cemented its international standing in the numismatic and bullion markets during the 1990s.
Because Series I coins were produced in limited annual mintages and are no longer in production, original 1996 issues now circulate primarily through the secondary market. The combination of first-year status and a closed-year zodiac design gives the 1996 Rat coin additional context beyond its gold content alone.
The obverse of the 1996 Gold Lunar Rat features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by inscriptions denoting the coin's legal tender denomination and the country of issue. The portrait is rendered with the fine detail characteristic of Perth Mint production, and the overall obverse layout follows the standard sovereign coin format used across Australian bullion issues of that era.
The reverse presents a detailed depiction of a rat, the central motif of the coin's zodiac theme. The design captures the animal with naturalistic detail, framed by traditional elements that reflect Chinese cultural imagery. The reverse also carries the year of issue, the coin's weight and purity, and the Perth Mint's distinctive "P" mintmark, which serves as a recognized authentication feature on Lunar Series coins.
At 1/20 ounce, the coin's small diameter demands exceptional precision in the striking process to retain design clarity, and the Brilliant Uncirculated finish ensures that surface detail is preserved without the softening that contact or circulation would introduce.
At 1/20 troy ounce, this coin offers a lower price point of entry into gold relative to one-ounce or fractional half-ounce formats, making it a practical option for buyers looking to add a small but meaningful gold position without committing to a full ounce. The format also appeals to collectors assembling complete Lunar Series sets across all available denominations, where the 1/20 ounce is typically the smallest piece in the lineup.
The smaller format does carry a higher premium per troy ounce relative to larger denominations, which is a standard pricing characteristic across virtually all fractional gold coins regardless of issuing authority. Buyers focused purely on cost-efficient gold accumulation should weigh that factor, while those prioritizing collectibility, completeness, or the cultural significance of the zodiac design will find the size more contextually appropriate.
Each coin in the Australian Lunar Series I was struck to .9999 fine gold, one of the highest purity standards in the gold coin market and consistent with what the Perth Mint maintains across its bullion and collector programs. The mint's production standards are enforced under the authority of the Gold Corporation of Western Australia, providing a government-backed guarantee of weight and purity on every piece that leaves the facility.
We are authorized dealers for both PCGS and NGC, which means we are equipped to facilitate third-party grading and certification for coins where professional authentication adds value. Every product that comes through our inventory is verified for authenticity, weight, and purity before reaching our customers. For a coin like the 1996 Lunar Rat, which now trades primarily in the secondary market, that verification step is an important part of presenting a product buyers can rely on.
Brilliant Uncirculated indicates the coin was struck with production-quality dies and handled with care to avoid the contact marks and surface wear associated with circulated coinage. The surfaces show the luster and detail expected from a freshly minted coin, though BU is a production grade rather than a certified numismatic designation, meaning coins may vary slightly in appearance while still meeting that standard.
Individual coins ship in protective plastic flips to preserve surface integrity during transit. The standard tube for the 1/20 ounce Perth Mint Lunar coin holds twenty pieces, and buyers acquiring that quantity will receive them in tube format. Larger lot quantities ship in sealed outer packaging appropriate to the volume. If you have specific packaging preferences or questions about a particular quantity, our team is available to assist before your order is placed.
The price of this coin is tied directly to the spot price of gold, which fluctuates continuously based on trading activity in global commodity markets. As with all fractional gold coins, the premium above spot runs higher on a per-ounce basis than it would for a one-ounce equivalent, reflecting the additional production cost and handling involved in manufacturing smaller diameter coins to the same precision standard.
Beyond the fractional premium, this coin carries additional market context as a first-year Lunar Series I issue that is no longer in production. Secondary market demand from collectors completing zodiac sets, combined with the cultural resonance of the Rat year, can influence pricing independently of spot movements. Our pricing reflects real-time market conditions and is structured to provide clarity without unnecessary complexity.
The Australian Lunar Series I is globally recognized, and the 1996 Rat coin in particular benefits from the collector demand associated with first-year zodiac issues. Buyers and sellers within the numismatic and bullion markets are generally familiar with Perth Mint production and the Lunar Series format, which supports resale activity across dealer networks, auction platforms, and direct-market transactions.
We operate a two-way market that allows customers to both purchase and sell within the same ecosystem. We believe liquidity should be considered before a purchase is made, not only at the point of sale. Understanding the bid side of the market alongside the ask is part of making a fully informed decision, and our platform is built to support that transparency at every stage of ownership.
This coin holds a distinct position in the Lunar Series I lineup as the inaugural release of the entire twelve-year program. Year of the Rat coins, particularly those from the first series, attract consistent interest from collectors who value the combination of first-year significance and a complete zodiac cycle that has since concluded. The .9999 fine gold standard and Perth Mint craftsmanship make it a credible piece regardless of whether the primary motivation is the gold content or the collectible context.
For buyers assembling a complete Lunar Series I set across denominations or zodiac years, the 1996 Rat is a necessary piece and one that has not been re-minted. Its closure as a year of issue is permanent, which distinguishes it from ongoing bullion programs where supply is replenished annually.
We have built our reputation on transparency, honest pricing, and a customer-first approach that treats every transaction as the foundation of a long-term relationship. Our pricing reflects real-time market conditions, and our two-way market model means customers have access to competitive buyback pricing within the same platform where they purchase. We want buyers to understand both sides of the transaction before they commit, not only when they are ready to sell.
Our A rating with the Better Business Bureau, membership in the American Numismatic Association and the National Coin and Bullion Association, and authorized dealer status with both PCGS and NGC reflect the professional standards we hold across every part of our operation. Every product we sell is verified for authenticity, weight, and purity. Our team is knowledgeable, accessible, and committed to giving you the information you need to make a confident, informed decision.
Bullion Standard Pro gives members direct access to live, executable wholesale bid and ask pricing, providing a real-time view of how products like the 1996 Gold Lunar Rat are priced and traded at the wholesale level. Rather than relying on static retail price displays, Pro members see pricing that moves with actual market conditions, which is particularly relevant for secondary market coins where premiums can shift meaningfully based on collector demand and available supply.
Pro membership also includes real-time portfolio valuation using live wholesale bid prices, proprietary market intelligence tools, and product research capabilities that allow members to compare premiums, bid/ask spreads, and liquidity across the broader catalog. For buyers evaluating fractional or collectible gold, having access to objective data rather than marketing claims leads to clearer, more grounded purchasing decisions.
We support a wide range of payment methods to make every transaction as straightforward as possible. Customers can pay using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, bank-connected payments through Plaid, wire transfer, paper check, or cryptocurrency via BitPay. Each option is processed through a secure transaction environment designed to protect your information and give you confidence at every step of the purchase.
Whether you prefer the speed of a wire transfer, the convenience of a major credit card, or the flexibility of digital currency, we accommodate the payment method that works best for you without adding unnecessary friction to the process.
Product ID: BST-0015513732
| 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 | 0.05 oz |
| Thickness (mm) | 1.4 mm |
| Diameter (mm) | 14.1 mm |
| Inner Pack (Quantity) | 20 |
| Outer Pack (Quantity) | 100 |
| Grade | BU |
The 1996 Australia Gold Lunar Rat is a fractional gold coin issued by The Perth Mint as part of the original Australian Lunar Series I program. Struck in .9999 fine gold and weighing 1/20 troy ounce, this coin represents one of the smallest denominations in the Lunar Series I lineup and carries legal tender status under the Australian government. It was released in 1996 to mark the Year of the Rat in the Chinese zodiac calendar, a milestone that opened the twelve-year cycle of this now-iconic series.
We carry this coin in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, reflecting the quality standard expected from Perth Mint production. As a government-issued gold coin bearing one of the most recognized lunar designs in the market, it occupies a distinct position between pure bullion and limited-issue collectible.
The Australian Lunar Series I launched in 1996 with the Year of the Rat, making this the inaugural coin of the entire program. The Perth Mint conceived the series to honor the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, with each coin struck for a single calendar year only, creating a natural scarcity that di
…The 1996 Australia Gold Lunar Rat is a fractional gold coin issued by The Perth Mint as part of the original Australian Lunar Series I program. Struck in .9999 fine gold and weighing 1/20 troy ounce, this coin represents one of the smallest denominations in the Lunar Series I lineup and carries legal tender status under the Australian government. It was released in 1996 to mark the Year of the Rat in the Chinese zodiac calendar, a milestone that opened the twelve-year cycle of this now-iconic series.
We carry this coin in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, reflecting the quality standard expected from Perth Mint production. As a government-issued gold coin bearing one of the most recognized lunar designs in the market, it occupies a distinct position between pure bullion and limited-issue collectible.
The Australian Lunar Series I launched in 1996 with the Year of the Rat, making this the inaugural coin of the entire program. The Perth Mint conceived the series to honor the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, with each coin struck for a single calendar year only, creating a natural scarcity that distinguishes the series from ongoing bullion programs. The Rat, the first of the twelve zodiac signs, carries particular cultural significance in Chinese tradition as a symbol of intelligence and adaptability.
The Perth Mint, established in 1899, has long been recognized as one of the world's most technically advanced and respected mints. Operating under the Gold Corporation of Western Australia and backed by a government guarantee, the mint has built a global reputation for precision striking and high-purity production. The Lunar Series I was among the programs that cemented its international standing in the numismatic and bullion markets during the 1990s.
Because Series I coins were produced in limited annual mintages and are no longer in production, original 1996 issues now circulate primarily through the secondary market. The combination of first-year status and a closed-year zodiac design gives the 1996 Rat coin additional context beyond its gold content alone.
The obverse of the 1996 Gold Lunar Rat features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by inscriptions denoting the coin's legal tender denomination and the country of issue. The portrait is rendered with the fine detail characteristic of Perth Mint production, and the overall obverse layout follows the standard sovereign coin format used across Australian bullion issues of that era.
The reverse presents a detailed depiction of a rat, the central motif of the coin's zodiac theme. The design captures the animal with naturalistic detail, framed by traditional elements that reflect Chinese cultural imagery. The reverse also carries the year of issue, the coin's weight and purity, and the Perth Mint's distinctive "P" mintmark, which serves as a recognized authentication feature on Lunar Series coins.
At 1/20 ounce, the coin's small diameter demands exceptional precision in the striking process to retain design clarity, and the Brilliant Uncirculated finish ensures that surface detail is preserved without the softening that contact or circulation would introduce.
At 1/20 troy ounce, this coin offers a lower price point of entry into gold relative to one-ounce or fractional half-ounce formats, making it a practical option for buyers looking to add a small but meaningful gold position without committing to a full ounce. The format also appeals to collectors assembling complete Lunar Series sets across all available denominations, where the 1/20 ounce is typically the smallest piece in the lineup.
The smaller format does carry a higher premium per troy ounce relative to larger denominations, which is a standard pricing characteristic across virtually all fractional gold coins regardless of issuing authority. Buyers focused purely on cost-efficient gold accumulation should weigh that factor, while those prioritizing collectibility, completeness, or the cultural significance of the zodiac design will find the size more contextually appropriate.
Each coin in the Australian Lunar Series I was struck to .9999 fine gold, one of the highest purity standards in the gold coin market and consistent with what the Perth Mint maintains across its bullion and collector programs. The mint's production standards are enforced under the authority of the Gold Corporation of Western Australia, providing a government-backed guarantee of weight and purity on every piece that leaves the facility.
We are authorized dealers for both PCGS and NGC, which means we are equipped to facilitate third-party grading and certification for coins where professional authentication adds value. Every product that comes through our inventory is verified for authenticity, weight, and purity before reaching our customers. For a coin like the 1996 Lunar Rat, which now trades primarily in the secondary market, that verification step is an important part of presenting a product buyers can rely on.
Brilliant Uncirculated indicates the coin was struck with production-quality dies and handled with care to avoid the contact marks and surface wear associated with circulated coinage. The surfaces show the luster and detail expected from a freshly minted coin, though BU is a production grade rather than a certified numismatic designation, meaning coins may vary slightly in appearance while still meeting that standard.
Individual coins ship in protective plastic flips to preserve surface integrity during transit. The standard tube for the 1/20 ounce Perth Mint Lunar coin holds twenty pieces, and buyers acquiring that quantity will receive them in tube format. Larger lot quantities ship in sealed outer packaging appropriate to the volume. If you have specific packaging preferences or questions about a particular quantity, our team is available to assist before your order is placed.
The price of this coin is tied directly to the spot price of gold, which fluctuates continuously based on trading activity in global commodity markets. As with all fractional gold coins, the premium above spot runs higher on a per-ounce basis than it would for a one-ounce equivalent, reflecting the additional production cost and handling involved in manufacturing smaller diameter coins to the same precision standard.
Beyond the fractional premium, this coin carries additional market context as a first-year Lunar Series I issue that is no longer in production. Secondary market demand from collectors completing zodiac sets, combined with the cultural resonance of the Rat year, can influence pricing independently of spot movements. Our pricing reflects real-time market conditions and is structured to provide clarity without unnecessary complexity.
The Australian Lunar Series I is globally recognized, and the 1996 Rat coin in particular benefits from the collector demand associated with first-year zodiac issues. Buyers and sellers within the numismatic and bullion markets are generally familiar with Perth Mint production and the Lunar Series format, which supports resale activity across dealer networks, auction platforms, and direct-market transactions.
We operate a two-way market that allows customers to both purchase and sell within the same ecosystem. We believe liquidity should be considered before a purchase is made, not only at the point of sale. Understanding the bid side of the market alongside the ask is part of making a fully informed decision, and our platform is built to support that transparency at every stage of ownership.
This coin holds a distinct position in the Lunar Series I lineup as the inaugural release of the entire twelve-year program. Year of the Rat coins, particularly those from the first series, attract consistent interest from collectors who value the combination of first-year significance and a complete zodiac cycle that has since concluded. The .9999 fine gold standard and Perth Mint craftsmanship make it a credible piece regardless of whether the primary motivation is the gold content or the collectible context.
For buyers assembling a complete Lunar Series I set across denominations or zodiac years, the 1996 Rat is a necessary piece and one that has not been re-minted. Its closure as a year of issue is permanent, which distinguishes it from ongoing bullion programs where supply is replenished annually.
We have built our reputation on transparency, honest pricing, and a customer-first approach that treats every transaction as the foundation of a long-term relationship. Our pricing reflects real-time market conditions, and our two-way market model means customers have access to competitive buyback pricing within the same platform where they purchase. We want buyers to understand both sides of the transaction before they commit, not only when they are ready to sell.
Our A rating with the Better Business Bureau, membership in the American Numismatic Association and the National Coin and Bullion Association, and authorized dealer status with both PCGS and NGC reflect the professional standards we hold across every part of our operation. Every product we sell is verified for authenticity, weight, and purity. Our team is knowledgeable, accessible, and committed to giving you the information you need to make a confident, informed decision.
Bullion Standard Pro gives members direct access to live, executable wholesale bid and ask pricing, providing a real-time view of how products like the 1996 Gold Lunar Rat are priced and traded at the wholesale level. Rather than relying on static retail price displays, Pro members see pricing that moves with actual market conditions, which is particularly relevant for secondary market coins where premiums can shift meaningfully based on collector demand and available supply.
Pro membership also includes real-time portfolio valuation using live wholesale bid prices, proprietary market intelligence tools, and product research capabilities that allow members to compare premiums, bid/ask spreads, and liquidity across the broader catalog. For buyers evaluating fractional or collectible gold, having access to objective data rather than marketing claims leads to clearer, more grounded purchasing decisions.
We support a wide range of payment methods to make every transaction as straightforward as possible. Customers can pay using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, bank-connected payments through Plaid, wire transfer, paper check, or cryptocurrency via BitPay. Each option is processed through a secure transaction environment designed to protect your information and give you confidence at every step of the purchase.
Whether you prefer the speed of a wire transfer, the convenience of a major credit card, or the flexibility of digital currency, we accommodate the payment method that works best for you without adding unnecessary friction to the process.
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