2004 2 Oz Australia Gold Lunar Monkey (Series I) - BU

Buyback price:  $7,699.92
Bullion Standard Pro Buyback price:  $7,809.36

Product ID: BST-001698D798

Specifications

Year 2004
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 2 oz
Thickness (mm) 3.9 mm
Diameter (mm) 40.6 mm
Grade BU

Product Details

Overview of the 2004 Australia Gold Lunar Monkey (Series I) 2 oz

The 2004 Australia Gold Lunar Monkey is a two-troy-ounce coin struck in .9999 fine gold and issued by The Perth Mint as part of the original Gold Lunar Series I program. It carries legal tender status under the Australian Government, with a face value denomination assigned by the Commonwealth of Australia. The coin is graded Brilliant Uncirculated, reflecting sharp strike quality and original mint luster consistent with Perth Mint production standards.

We carry this coin as part of our broader selection of Perth Mint numismatic and semi-numismatic bullion offerings. At two ounces of .9999 fine gold, it occupies a distinct position within the Lunar series, offering substantially more gold content than the standard one-ounce format while maintaining the same design quality and minting precision the series is known for.

History and Background

The Gold Lunar Series I was introduced by The Perth Mint in 1996 and ran through 2007, with each annual release corresponding to a sign in the Chinese zodiac calendar. The Monkey, representing the ninth animal in the twelve-year zodiac cycle, was featured in 2004. The series was

Overview of the 2004 Australia Gold Lunar Monkey (Series I) 2 oz

The 2004 Australia Gold Lunar Monkey is a two-troy-ounce coin struck in .9999 fine gold and issued by The Perth Mint as part of the original Gold Lunar Series I program. It carries legal tender status under the Australian Government, with a face value denomination assigned by the Commonwealth of Australia. The coin is graded Brilliant Uncirculated, reflecting sharp strike quality and original mint luster consistent with Perth Mint production standards.

We carry this coin as part of our broader selection of Perth Mint numismatic and semi-numismatic bullion offerings. At two ounces of .9999 fine gold, it occupies a distinct position within the Lunar series, offering substantially more gold content than the standard one-ounce format while maintaining the same design quality and minting precision the series is known for.

History and Background

The Gold Lunar Series I was introduced by The Perth Mint in 1996 and ran through 2007, with each annual release corresponding to a sign in the Chinese zodiac calendar. The Monkey, representing the ninth animal in the twelve-year zodiac cycle, was featured in 2004. The series was produced under the Australian Lunar program, which established The Perth Mint as one of the premier producers of zodiac-themed bullion coins worldwide.

The Perth Mint itself has operated since 1899 and functions as a government-owned enterprise of Western Australia. It is recognized globally for its precision minting, stringent quality controls, and long track record across both bullion and collector-grade coin programs. The original Lunar Series I is now considered a completed set, which adds a layer of collectibility to individual coins from that program, including the 2004 Monkey release.

The two-ounce format was produced in limited quantities compared to the one-ounce release, making it a less commonly encountered denomination within the series. Collectors and gold buyers seeking the full weight range of the Lunar Series I have long recognized the two-ounce version as the harder-to-find option in that lineup.

Design and Aesthetics

The reverse of the coin features a detailed depiction of a monkey rendered in the artistic style characteristic of the Lunar Series I. The design captures the monkey in a naturalistic setting, with fine engraving work that highlights texture and movement. The composition includes the year of issue, the weight and purity designation, and the "P" mintmark identifying Perth Mint production.

The obverse carries the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, which was the standard portrait used on Australian coins during this period. The portrait is accompanied by the monetary denomination and country of issue. The overall coin presents a balanced composition that maintains the formal characteristics of a government-issued legal tender piece while incorporating the distinctive thematic imagery of the Lunar program.

At two ounces, the coin's larger diameter allows the reverse design to be rendered with greater detail than smaller fractional versions of the same Monkey design. The Brilliant Uncirculated finish preserves the clarity of these design elements, with surfaces that reflect the precision striking for which The Perth Mint is well regarded.

Authenticity and Product Integrity

Every coin in this format is struck to .9999 fine gold, one of the highest purity standards available in sovereign coin production. The Perth Mint operates under strict quality protocols and its output is recognized by major bullion markets worldwide, which supports straightforward verification and acceptance across dealer and institutional channels.

We verify all products for authenticity, weight, and purity before they are made available for purchase. Our authorized dealer relationships with both PCGS and NGC further support our ability to facilitate professional grading and certification for customers who require it. For raw BU examples like this one, the coin's specifications, mintmark, and design details are consistent with documented Perth Mint production records for the 2004 Lunar Monkey release.

Condition and Packaging

Brilliant Uncirculated designates a coin that has never been placed into circulation and retains its original mint-struck surfaces. BU coins from The Perth Mint at this weight tier typically exhibit strong luster, sharp design relief, and no wear. Minor contact marks from handling or packaging contact during the minting and distribution process can be present on BU coins and are considered normal for this grade level.

Individual coins ship in a protective plastic flip to preserve surface condition during transit. The 2004 two-ounce Gold Lunar Monkey was produced in limited mintage quantities, and Perth Mint coins of this format are typically housed in individual capsules or presentation packaging when available in original mint condition. If original Perth Mint packaging accompanies the coin, that will be reflected in the product listing. We provide transparent packaging information to ensure you know exactly what to expect upon delivery.

Pricing and Market Factors

Pricing for this coin is based on the current spot price of gold, adjusted for the two-ounce weight and the applicable premium above spot. The premium on this coin reflects several converging factors: Perth Mint's production quality and global reputation, the .9999 fine gold standard, the limited mintage of the two-ounce format, and the completed status of the Lunar Series I program.

Semi-numismatic coins like this one can carry premiums that behave differently from standard bullion products. When collector demand intersects with gold content, premiums tend to be more resilient and less tied strictly to spot price movement. Our pricing reflects real-time market conditions and is structured to give you a clear picture of what you are paying relative to both spot and current market demand for this specific coin.

Selling and Liquidity

The 2004 Gold Lunar Monkey is recognized within both the bullion and numismatic collector markets, which broadens its potential resale audience compared to generic bullion products. The combination of .9999 fine gold content, Perth Mint provenance, and the completed Lunar Series I status supports recognition across dealer, auction, and private sale channels.

We operate a two-way market, meaning customers can both purchase and sell precious metals through our platform. Understanding the buy/ask spread before a purchase is made provides a more complete picture of the true cost of ownership. For semi-numismatic coins with collector demand, liquidity characteristics can shift based on market conditions and series-specific interest, and we encourage buyers to evaluate that context alongside the gold content itself.

Why Buy the 2004 Australia Gold Lunar Monkey (Series I) 2 oz?

The two-ounce format of the 2004 Gold Lunar Monkey offers something that standard one-ounce bullion coins do not: a larger, more visually detailed presentation of the Monkey design combined with meaningful gold content in a single piece. For collectors building a complete Lunar Series I set or seeking specific year and weight combinations, the two-ounce coin is among the harder denominations to locate in BU condition.

The Perth Mint's consistent standards across the Lunar Series I program mean that this coin is well-documented, widely recognized, and straightforward to authenticate. Its government-backed legal tender status, high purity, and established collector following make it a distinct option compared to generic rounds or bars of equivalent weight.

Why Buy from Bullion Standard?

We have been operating as a precious metals dealer since 2010, and our approach has always centered on transparency, honest pricing, and building long-term customer relationships. 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 standards we hold ourselves to across every transaction.

Our pricing is tied directly to real-time market conditions, and we display the bid/ask spread on each product page so you can evaluate the full cost of ownership rather than focusing only on the purchase price. We source products from reputable mints, refineries, and distributors, and every item is verified for authenticity before it reaches you. Our two-way market model means we are as focused on your ability to sell as we are on your ability to buy, and our customer support team is accessible throughout the process.

Get Near-Spot Pricing with Bullion Standard Pro

Bullion Standard Pro gives members direct access to live, executable wholesale bid and ask pricing, including on semi-numismatic products like the 2004 Gold Lunar Monkey. Rather than working from static retail price sheets, Pro members can see real-time pricing that reflects current wholesale market conditions, which is particularly relevant for coins where premiums can fluctuate based on collector demand and secondary market activity. Real-time portfolio valuation using live wholesale bid prices also gives members a more accurate picture of what their holdings are worth at any given moment.

Beyond pricing, Pro includes product research tools and proprietary analytics that allow members to evaluate premium trends, bid/ask spreads, and liquidity characteristics across our catalog. For a coin like this one, where the premium is influenced by both gold content and collector demand, having access to historical premium data and spread analysis provides meaningful context that goes beyond what spot price alone can tell you.

Flexible and Secure Payment Options

We support a wide range of payment methods to make every transaction straightforward and secure. You can purchase using major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, or through PayPal for added buyer convenience. Bank-connected payments are available through Plaid, and we also accept wire transfer and paper check for customers who prefer those methods.

For buyers who prefer digital currency, we accept cryptocurrency payments through BitPay. Every payment option is integrated with our secure checkout process, and our fulfillment is handled with the same care and consistency regardless of how you choose to pay.

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