Silver Lunar Series Coins for Sale

Buy Silver Lunar Series Coins Online

Our catalog of silver lunar series coins spans more than two decades of production from The Perth Mint, covering all three major series in sizes that range from 1/2 oz to 1 kilo. Whether you're looking for a 2025 1 oz silver lunar snake in Series III, a classic 1999 1 oz silver lunar rabbit from Series I, or one of the larger format options like a 2 oz or 5 oz Series III coin, the selection here is built to reflect the full depth of the lunar coin market rather than just its most recent releases.

The Perth Mint's P mintmark runs across the majority of the coins listed, with a small number of Royal Mint issues rounding out the British lunar offerings for years like 2014 and 2017. Packaging formats vary by year and weight, with some coins arriving in tubes designed for stacking and others in individual presentation packaging with certificates of authenticity. Bullion Standard sources each product through verified channels and displays transparent pricing that reflects live market conditions rather than fixed retail markups.

If you're building a date run, comparing premiums across series, or simply looking for the most liquid silver coin available in a particular year, this collection gives you the detail needed to make that evaluation clearly. Product specifications including diameter, thickness, purity, and denomination are listed directly on each product page to support informed purchasing decisions.

What Are Silver Lunar Series Coins?

Silver lunar series coins are government-issued bullion coins produced on an annual cycle that follows the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. Each year's release features a different zodiac animal, cycling through twelve animals over a twelve-year period before beginning again. The design changes with each release, which distinguishes lunar coins from static-design bullion coins like the American Silver Eagle or the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf.

The Perth Mint's Australian lunar program is the most widely recognized in the silver bullion market and has produced three complete series since 1996. Series I ran from 1996 through 2007, Series II from 2008 through 2019, and the current Series III began in 2020. Each series covers the same twelve zodiac animals but with entirely different reverse artwork, which means collectors can assemble complete runs across multiple series without duplicating any design iteration.

Beyond their collectible characteristics, silver lunar coins function as standard silver bullion. They carry legal tender face values denominated in Australian dollars, are struck in .999 or .9999 fine silver depending on the year and series, and trade in the same wholesale and retail bullion markets as other sovereign-minted silver coins. The combination of government backing, annual design variety, and consistent production standards makes them a recognizable and actively traded format in the physical silver market.

History and Background

The Australian lunar coin program traces its origins to 1996, when The Perth Mint launched its first Series I release featuring the Year of the Mouse. The program was designed to appeal to collectors and bullion buyers interested in culturally significant designs connected to the Lunar New Year tradition. Early Series I coins were struck in .999 fine silver across a limited range of sizes, and the program quickly gained international recognition for the quality of its designs and the reputation of the mint behind them.

The Perth Mint, established in 1899, operates under the Gold Corporation umbrella and is wholly owned by the Government of Western Australia. Its history of producing high-quality precious metals products for both domestic and international markets gave the lunar program immediate credibility when it launched. As Series I matured through the early 2000s, demand for certain years and zodiac signs created noticeable variation in secondary market premiums, particularly for the Dragon and Rabbit years, which historically attract strong collector interest across Asian markets.

Series II, which began with the 2008 Year of the Mouse, introduced design refinements and in later years shifted purity from .999 to .9999 fine silver, reflecting improvements in the mint's production capabilities. Series III, launched in 2020 with the Year of the Mouse, carried forward the .9999 purity standard and introduced updated design formats including larger diameters for the 1 oz size and new weight options such as 2 oz and 5 oz releases. The British Royal Mint entered the silver lunar market during the Series II years with its own 1 oz offerings, adding a second sovereign source to this coin type.

Purity, Weight, and Specifications

Silver lunar coins from The Perth Mint were struck at .999 fine silver purity across all of Series I and through most of Series II. Beginning with certain Series II releases and continuing into Series III, the standard shifted to .9999 fine silver, representing four-nines purity and placing these coins among the highest-purity silver bullion coins produced by any major sovereign mint. The Royal Mint's British lunar coins in the catalog carry a .999 fine silver standard.

Weight options across the catalog include 1/2 oz, 1 oz, 2 oz, 5 oz, 10 oz, and 1 kilo. The 1 oz coins in Series I measure 40.6 mm in diameter with a 4 mm thickness. Series II 1 oz coins shifted to a larger 45.6 mm diameter with a reduced 2.6 mm thickness, while Series III returned to a more compact format at 40.9 mm diameter and 3.5 mm thickness. Kilo coins across all three series measure approximately 100.6 to 101 mm in diameter and carry an official face value of 30 Australian dollars. All weights conform to the troy ounce standard used throughout the international bullion market.

Each coin carries a legal tender denomination, the Perth Mint's P mintmark, and the effigy of the reigning British monarch on the obverse. The reverse design changes annually and is specific to each series, making year and series identification straightforward for both buyers and resellers. Specifications such as diameter, thickness, and denomination unit are included on each product listing to assist buyers in evaluating what they're purchasing before committing.

Available Brands, Mints, and Product Variations

The Perth Mint is the primary producer represented in this collection, covering all three Australian lunar series from 1999 through 2025, with 2026 Horse rectangular coin offerings already available for forward purchasing. The Royal Mint appears with its British lunar series for 2014 and 2017, offering 1 oz coins with a 2-pound face value struck at .999 fine silver and a diameter of 38.61 mm, which is slightly smaller than the Perth Mint's standard 1 oz format.

Within the Perth Mint offerings, product variations extend well beyond the standard 1 oz BU coin. The 2023 Rabbit year alone includes a standard BU 1 oz, a gilded edition, an antiqued finish, a proof high relief version, a 2 oz antiqued finish, a 2 oz standard BU, a 5 oz BU, a 1 kilo BU, an NGC MS70-graded 1 kilo, a half-ounce proof, and a three-coin proof set. This level of product variety within a single year's release reflects how the lunar program has evolved from a straightforward bullion series into one that supports a much broader range of buyer preferences.

Certified options are also available, including the 2023 1 kilo lunar rabbit graded MS70 by NGC and slabbed with the Mint State Perfect designation. Bullion Standard is an authorized dealer for both NGC and PCGS, making certified coins sourced through our platform traceable to their grading provenance. For buyers focused strictly on bullion content and spot-relative pricing, the standard BU offerings in tubed or individual packaging represent the most straightforward entry point across all years and weights.

Pricing, Premiums, and Market Factors

Silver lunar coin premiums fluctuate based on several interacting variables, including the year of issue, the zodiac animal represented, the series, the weight format, and prevailing wholesale market conditions. Certain animals, particularly the Dragon and Rabbit, tend to carry elevated premiums in both primary and secondary markets due to their cultural significance within Chinese and broader Asian communities. Kilo coins and larger formats typically carry lower premiums per troy ounce than fractional or 1 oz coins, reflecting the economics of production and distribution relative to metal content.

Earlier Series I coins, especially those from 1999 through 2003, often trade at meaningfully higher premiums than current-year Series III releases because their mintages were lower and date-specific demand among collectors is stronger. The shift from .999 to .9999 purity in Series II and III has also influenced how these coins are priced relative to other silver bullion products, as higher purity generally supports better recognition in wholesale markets. Packaging condition, particularly whether a coin retains its original tube or mint capsule, can also affect the achievable price in secondary markets.

Bullion Standard's pricing on silver lunar coins reflects real-time spot silver prices with premiums applied based on actual wholesale market conditions rather than fixed retail structures. The bid/ask spread for each product is displayed on its individual product page, giving buyers a transparent view of the relationship between the acquisition price and the current resale price before they make a purchase. This approach is central to how Bullion Standard operates as a marketplace rather than a traditional high-pressure retail dealer.

Condition, Packaging, and What to Expect

BU, or Brilliant Uncirculated, is the standard grade for bullion-issue silver lunar coins and indicates that a coin has not been placed into circulation and shows no signs of wear. It's worth noting that BU bullion coins are not struck to the same tolerances as proof coins, which means minor contact marks, spotting, or toning can occur during the minting and packaging process without affecting the grade designation. These cosmetic characteristics are normal and expected across the bullion coin market.

Most 1 oz coins in this catalog are packaged in mint tubes holding between 20 and 25 coins, depending on the year. Kilo coins typically arrive in individual protective capsules with inner pack quantities of one. Certain specialty editions, including gilded, antiqued, proof, and high relief versions, come with presentation boxes and certificates of authenticity as noted in the individual product listings. For standard BU coins, tubes are the most common form of delivery, and coins purchased as part of a tube order will generally arrive sealed in their original packaging.

Random year products, where available, are selected based on inventory availability and may differ from the year shown in the product image. For date-specific collectors or buyers building complete series runs, it's important to confirm whether a listing specifies a fixed year before completing a purchase. All product pages on Bullion Standard include clear descriptions of what a buyer should expect to receive, including packaging format and any relevant notes about cosmetic variation.

Authenticity and Verification

The Perth Mint's reputation as one of the world's leading sovereign mints provides a foundational layer of authenticity assurance for all Australian lunar coins. Each coin is produced under government oversight, with specifications including diameter, thickness, weight, and purity subject to rigorous quality control at the point of production. The P mintmark stamped on each coin is a direct identifier of Perth Mint origin and is one of the most recognizable mint marks in the global bullion market.

Anti-counterfeiting measures embedded in Perth Mint products have evolved over the course of the three lunar series. Series III coins incorporate security features that are more difficult to replicate than those used in earlier issues, reflecting ongoing investment in product integrity by the mint. Buyers concerned about authenticity on older Series I or Series II coins can request verification from Bullion Standard, and coins submitted to NGC or PCGS for grading undergo independent authentication as part of the encapsulation process.

Bullion Standard verifies the authenticity, weight, and purity of every product before it reaches a customer. Our sourcing relationships are maintained with reputable mints, authorized distributors, and verified wholesalers, and we do not introduce products into our inventory that cannot be confirmed through established provenance channels. As an authorized dealer for both PCGS and NGC, we also support customers who wish to submit coins for third-party grading and authentication after purchase.

Liquidity and Resale Considerations

Silver lunar coins from The Perth Mint are among the most widely recognized silver bullion coins in international markets, particularly across Asia, Australia, and North America. Their government-issued status, consistent production standards, and well-established series history give them a level of market recognition that supports active trading across dealer networks, auction platforms, and wholesale markets. Current-year releases in standard BU format generally carry the tightest spreads and the most straightforward resale process.

Older series coins, particularly Series I issues, can exhibit more variable liquidity depending on the specific year, zodiac animal, and condition. Coins in their original mint packaging tend to achieve better resale outcomes than those removed from tubes, as packaging integrity is an observable proxy for condition in the absence of third-party grading. Proof editions, high relief variants, and NGC or PCGS-graded coins occupy a different segment of the resale market and are typically evaluated through numismatic rather than pure bullion channels.

The 1 oz format consistently delivers the most straightforward resale experience across both dealer and private markets because it aligns with the most common transaction size in the silver bullion market. Kilo coins and fractional sizes trade within narrower buyer pools, which can affect the speed and pricing of a resale. Understanding these dynamics before purchasing, rather than only at the point of sale, helps buyers make more informed decisions about which format fits their needs.

Storage and Security

Standard 1 oz lunar coins stored in their original mint tubes stack efficiently and require relatively modest storage space compared to bars of equivalent silver content. A tube of 20 to 25 coins takes up far less space than a single kilo coin, making tube-format 1 oz coins practical for buyers who want to accumulate meaningful silver weight without dedicating significant vault or safe space. Climate-controlled storage is advisable for all silver products, as humidity and temperature fluctuations can accelerate toning and surface oxidation.

Kilo coins, with their larger diameter and weight, benefit from dedicated coin capsules or padded cases rather than loose storage. Stacking kilo coins without protective separators risks edge-to-edge contact damage that can affect presentation value even if the bullion content is unaffected. For buyers holding significant quantities of silver lunar coins, third-party vault storage through a reputable bullion custodian offers both security and insurance coverage that home safes typically cannot match at the same cost-per-ounce.

Specialty editions including gilded, proof, and antiqued finish coins should be stored in their original presentation boxes whenever possible. These finishes are more susceptible to handling damage than standard BU surfaces, and maintaining original packaging preserves both the aesthetic and the resale profile of these products. Cotton or microfiber gloves are recommended when handling any silver coin outside of its protective capsule or tube.

Selling and Buyback Options

Bullion Standard operates as a two-way market, meaning customers can sell silver lunar coins back through the same platform where they purchased them. This structure is designed to give buyers a clear understanding of both the acquisition cost and the anticipated resale value before they make a purchase, rather than leaving liquidity as an open question until it becomes immediately relevant. Buyback pricing is based on live market conditions and reflects the current wholesale bid price for each product.

Factors that influence the buyback price for silver lunar coins include the specific year and zodiac animal, the series, the weight format, the condition of the coin, whether original packaging is intact, and current silver spot prices. Coins in original mint tubes or capsules with no visible damage typically qualify for standard bullion buyback pricing. Graded or specialty edition coins may be evaluated through a separate process that accounts for their numismatic characteristics in addition to their silver content.

Our purchasing team reviews buyback requests and provides pricing that reflects real-time market conditions without unnecessary friction. Customers interested in selling through Bullion Standard can initiate the process through their account dashboard or by contacting our support team directly. The goal is to make the selling experience as transparent and efficient as the buying experience, with clear pricing and a straightforward verification process.

Why Buy Silver Lunar Series Coins?

Silver lunar coins occupy an interesting position within the broader silver bullion market because they deliver government-backed silver content alongside annual design variation that gives each year's release a distinct identity. For buyers who find standard bullion coins repetitive but don't want to move into the numismatic market, silver lunar coins offer a middle path that combines recognizable metal content with genuine collectible interest. The annual release cycle also makes them natural for systematic purchasing.

The diversity of weight options is another practical advantage. A buyer who wants to hold both large and fractional silver positions can do so within a single coherent product family, moving from 1/2 oz coins up through 1 oz, 2 oz, 5 oz, 10 oz, and 1 kilo without switching between different mints or product lines. This consistency of source and specification simplifies both storage management and eventual resale.

Silver itself has meaningful industrial demand across electronics, solar panel manufacturing, medical devices, and other technology sectors, which underpins physical demand independently of collector and investor interest. While lunar coins carry premiums above spot that standard silver bars do not, they also tend to retain higher resale premiums than generic silver rounds, particularly for recognized years and complete series sets. For buyers building a long-term silver position, understanding how different silver product formats behave in wholesale markets is worth considering before making a purchasing decision.

Why Buy from Bullion Standard?

Bullion Standard was founded in 2010 in San Diego, California, and has grown into a nationally recognized precious metals marketplace by maintaining a consistent focus on pricing transparency and customer trust. Our A rating with the Better Business Bureau, membership in the American Numismatic Association and the National Coin and Bullion Association, and status as an authorized dealer for both PCGS and NGC reflect the operational standards we hold ourselves to across sourcing, verification, and customer service.

Every silver lunar coin in our catalog is sourced through verified mint and distributor relationships and verified for authenticity, weight, and purity before reaching a customer. Pricing is structured to reflect live market conditions with clearly displayed bid/ask spreads on each product page, so buyers understand the complete transaction, not just the purchase price. Our two-way market model means liquidity is built into the platform from the start rather than treated as a secondary consideration.

We support a broad range of payment methods including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Plaid-connected bank payments, wire transfer, check, and cryptocurrency through BitPay. Fulfillment is handled with the same commitment to reliability as the purchasing experience, and our customer support team is accessible for questions related to orders, product specifications, and the selling process. The goal at every stage is a transaction that feels transparent, secure, and straightforward.

Get Near-Spot Pricing with Bullion Standard Pro

Bullion Standard Pro is designed for buyers who want direct access to live wholesale bid and ask pricing across the silver bullion market, including silver lunar coins. Unlike standard retail pricing, Pro pricing reflects executable wholesale market rates without additional dealer markups or fixed spreads layered on top. This allows premiums and bid/ask relationships to move naturally with supply and demand rather than being fixed by a retail pricing structure.

For buyers purchasing silver lunar coins with any regularity, the pricing efficiency available through Pro can meaningfully reduce the effective cost per ounce over time. Members also gain access to historical premium analysis, premium percentile rankings, spread metrics, and other proprietary analytics that help evaluate whether a specific coin's current premium represents reasonable market pricing relative to its historical range. This is particularly useful for navigating the premium variability that exists between different years, zodiac animals, and series within the lunar coin market.

Portfolio valuation within Pro uses live executable wholesale bid pricing rather than estimated retail values, giving members a realistic view of what their silver holdings could be liquidated for at current market conditions. Combined with buy/sell ratio indicators, market sentiment data, and order-flow analytics available through the platform, Pro membership is built for buyers who want to evaluate the silver market with the same analytical depth typically reserved for more institutionally oriented financial markets.