Our catalog of silver lunar series coins spans more than two decades of production from The Perth Mint, covering every animal in the traditional twelve-year Chinese zodiac cycle across three distinct series. From the earliest 1999 Series I Rabbit through the most recent Series III releases featuring the Snake and Dragon, buyers will find a wide range of formats including 1/2 oz, 1 oz, 2 oz, 5 oz, 10 oz, and 1 kilo coins struck in .999 and .9999 fine silver. Special editions such as antiqued finishes, gilded variants, proof strikes, and high-relief designs round out the deeper end of the catalog alongside NGC-graded examples certified at MS70.
Bullion Standard sources these coins through reputable wholesale channels and authorized distributors, ensuring each product is verified for authenticity, weight, and purity before it reaches you. Our pricing is tied to real-time spot market conditions, and every product page displays the bid/ask spread so you can evaluate the full cost of ownership before committing to a purchase. Whether you're looking for a standard 1 oz bullion strike or a certified kilo coin, the selection here reflects a transparent marketplace rather than a curated sales pitch.
Silver lunar series coins are government-issued legal tender bullion coins produced by The Perth Mint in Western Australia, with each annual release featuring a different animal from the Chinese lunar calendar. The series follows a twelve-year cycle rotating through the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Because The Perth Mint has now completed three full cycles dating back to 1996, many of the same zodiac animals appear in Series I, Series II, and Series III editions, each with distinct designs and, in some cases, updated purity standards.
These coins serve a dual audience. Bullion buyers are drawn to the silver content, government backing, and relatively straightforward premiums on standard 1 oz strikes, while collectors and numismatists pursue specific years, series, finishes, and limited-edition variants. The format also stands apart from generic silver rounds or bars because each coin carries a face value denomination issued by the Australian government, providing an additional layer of institutional recognition that supports resale across international markets.
The range of available sizes makes lunar coins practical across different budget levels and storage preferences. The 1/2 oz and 1 oz coins are the most liquid and widely traded, while the 2 oz, 5 oz, 10 oz, and 1 kilo formats appeal to buyers who want a larger silver content per transaction with fewer individual pieces to manage. Proof, antiqued, and gilded versions offer a distinct aesthetic and are typically produced in lower mintage quantities than standard bullion strikes.
The Perth Mint launched its Australian Lunar Series in 1996 with a Year of the Rat coin, establishing what would become one of the most recognized and continuously produced bullion coin programs in the world. The series was designed to appeal to both the growing global bullion market and the significant collector demand tied to Chinese cultural traditions surrounding the lunar calendar. When Series I concluded after the 2007 Year of the Pig, The Perth Mint introduced Series II in 2008 with entirely new designs for each animal, followed by Series III beginning in 2020, each generation bringing design refinements, updated purity standards, and new format options.
The broader silver bullion coin market expanded significantly during the late 1990s and through the 2000s as sovereign mints worldwide recognized the demand for government-backed silver products with defined purity and weight standards. The Perth Mint distinguished its lunar program by offering a wider variety of sizes than most competing programs, introducing fractional coins, multi-ounce formats, and eventually kilo coins that gave the series unusual depth compared to single-size programs from other mints. The mint's reputation for die quality, striking precision, and consistent production standards further solidified the series as a benchmark product in the Asia-Pacific and international bullion markets.
Over time, the program also developed a notable secondary market driven by collectors seeking complete sets across all three series. The crossover between bullion and numismatics created a layered market where some coins trade primarily on silver content while others, particularly low-mintage proof and high-relief issues, attract premiums driven more by collectibility than by metal weight alone.
Standard bullion strikes in the silver lunar series are produced to a fineness of .999, meaning 99.9% pure silver content. Beginning with Series II and continuing more selectively into Series III, certain coins were upgraded to .9999 fineness, a distinction that applies to specific years and formats rather than the entire catalog. The 2018 Series II Dog and 2020 Series III Mouse, for example, are listed at .9999, while many surrounding issues remain at .999. Buyers looking at purity-sensitive applications should confirm the specification for the exact coin they're purchasing, as it varies by year and series.
Weight denominations follow troy ounce conventions, with the 1 oz coin containing one troy ounce of fine silver and the 1 kilo coin containing approximately 32.15 troy ounces. The 1/2 oz coin contains 0.5 troy ounces, while the 2 oz, 5 oz, and 10 oz formats fall between those two endpoints. All weights referenced on product listings reflect actual silver content by troy ounce, which is the standard unit of measure for precious metals pricing globally. Each coin is stamped with its denomination, silver weight, purity, and the Perth Mint's "P" mint mark, and official releases are accompanied by mint-issued packaging and, where applicable, certificates of authenticity.
Every coin in this section of our catalog is produced by The Perth Mint, one of Australia's oldest and most technically sophisticated precious metals facilities. Operating under the authority of the Government of Western Australia, the mint produces coins that carry legal tender status under Australian law, with face values denominated in Australian dollars. The Perth Mint's long history of export-grade production has made its products readily recognizable to dealers, collectors, and wholesale market participants across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Within the lunar program itself, the range of product variations is considerable. Standard BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) strikes in 1/2 oz, 1 oz, and 1 kilo represent the core of the catalog, and these are the formats most commonly traded in the secondary market. Beyond the standard bullion offerings, Series III introduced additional formats including 2 oz and 5 oz coins, and the 2023 Rabbit year in particular generated an unusually broad array of special editions. Those include the gilded 1 oz coin, antiqued rotating charm, proof strikes, proof high-relief strikes, and a three-coin proof set, all of which are represented in the catalog alongside the standard BU release. The 2023 kilo Rabbit is also available in an NGC MS70-graded version, housed in a NGC slab, for buyers seeking third-party certified examples.
The distinction between Series I, Series II, and Series III matters to collectors building complete sets, but it also has practical relevance for bullion buyers. Series I coins are older and in many cases command premiums driven by lower secondary market availability, while Series III coins benefit from more recent production dates and, in some cases, higher purity standards. The 2012 Series II Dragon is notable for including a 10 oz format that doesn't appear across most other years in the catalog, making it one of the more unusual size offerings in the broader lineup.
The price of any silver lunar coin is determined by two components: the underlying spot price of silver and the premium charged above spot. Spot price reflects the real-time market value of one troy ounce of silver as traded on global commodity exchanges, and it fluctuates continuously throughout the trading day. The premium above spot reflects production costs, distribution margins, mint reputation, packaging, format, and supply and demand conditions specific to that product. Standard 1 oz BU strikes typically carry lower premiums than proof, graded, or special-edition versions of the same year, while 1 kilo coins and fractional formats each carry their own distinct premium structures.
Several factors push premiums higher for specific lunar coins beyond what a standard bullion coin would carry. Older Series I coins with limited secondary market supply, NGC-graded examples, proof and high-relief strikes, gilded or antiqued finishes, and coins from particularly popular zodiac years such as the Dragon or Rabbit tend to trade at wider spreads relative to their silver content. Conversely, recent Series III standard BU coins in 1 oz and 1 kilo formats typically offer closer-to-spot pricing because supply is more current and market recognition is strong. Understanding this premium structure before purchasing helps buyers evaluate whether they're paying primarily for silver content or for numismatic and collectible characteristics.
Bullion Standard displays the bid/ask spread directly on each product page, which reflects both the purchase price and the estimated buyback value under current market conditions. This transparency allows buyers to assess the true cost of ownership rather than focusing solely on the premium paid at acquisition. As wholesale market conditions evolve, these spreads shift in response to supply, demand, and liquidity dynamics specific to each product.
Standard BU silver lunar coins are struck for bullion distribution and are not intended to meet the same finish standards as proof coins. Brilliant Uncirculated coins are produced with mint-fresh dies and handled without deliberate circulation, but minor contact marks, light surface haze, or small handling imperfections are considered normal for BU bullion strikes and do not indicate a defective product. Buyers looking for flawless surfaces consistent with collector grading standards should consider certified examples or proof strikes rather than standard BU bullion issues.
Most standard 1 oz lunar coins ship in individual plastic capsules or mint-issued tubes, depending on the format and year. Kilo coins typically come in protective mint packaging with a certificate of authenticity. Proof, gilded, antiqued, and special-edition coins are generally presented in custom display boxes with COAs included, and these are noted in the individual product listings. NGC-graded coins are delivered in sealed NGC slabs and should be stored in that housing to preserve the certification integrity. Coin sets, such as the 2023 three-coin proof set, arrive in the original Perth Mint presentation packaging.
For products listed without a specific grade, condition may vary within the normal range for secondary market bullion. Random-year products, where applicable, are fulfilled based on current inventory availability and cannot be pre-selected. Any product-specific packaging details or condition expectations are noted on the individual listing.
The Perth Mint's reputation for consistent, verifiable production standards is one of the reasons its products remain widely accepted across dealer networks and wholesale markets globally. Each coin is struck using dies maintained to the mint's quality specifications, and the combination of precise weight, defined purity, official mint markings, and legal tender status provides multiple layers of verification that support authenticity assessment. The "P" mint mark, face value denomination, year of issue, stated silver weight, and fineness are all incorporated into the coin's design and can be cross-referenced against The Perth Mint's published specifications.
NGC-graded coins carry the additional assurance of third-party authentication and grading by Numismatic Guaranty Company, which is one of the two leading professional coin grading services in the United States. NGC-slabbed coins have been individually examined, authenticated, and encapsulated in tamper-evident holders, providing a higher standard of verification for buyers who require it. Bullion Standard is an authorized NGC dealer, and all certified products in the catalog have been sourced through verifiable channels.
Every product sold through Bullion Standard is verified for authenticity, weight, and purity through our sourcing and receiving process. We source directly from reputable mints, wholesalers, and authorized distributors, and our team follows established protocols to confirm product integrity before fulfillment. Buyers can also use third-party verification services independently if they choose to have coins authenticated after purchase.
Silver lunar coins produced by The Perth Mint benefit from broad recognition across domestic and international dealer networks, making them among the more liquid non-sovereign silver bullion coins available in the market. The consistent annual production cadence, defined weight and purity standards, and government-issued legal tender status all contribute to recognizability, which is a practical factor in how easily a coin can be sold back into the market at competitive pricing. Standard 1 oz BU coins in current or recent series generally find the most active secondary market, while older Series I coins, proof variants, and special-edition issues may require a more targeted buyer depending on current demand.
The 1 kilo format is widely recognized by institutional buyers and wholesale market participants, though its higher unit value means that resale is typically conducted through dealer channels rather than peer-to-peer platforms. Fractional coins, including the 1/2 oz format, are generally more liquid than larger formats in certain retail contexts but may carry wider spreads relative to silver content compared to the standard 1 oz coin. Keeping original packaging intact, including capsules, mint boxes, and certificates of authenticity, tends to support resale value, particularly for proof, graded, and special-edition coins where presentation is part of the product's appeal.
Silver requires thoughtful storage because it is more reactive to environmental conditions than gold. Prolonged exposure to humidity, sulfur compounds, and airborne contaminants can cause toning or tarnishing on unprotected surfaces, which affects appearance without changing the underlying silver content but may influence resale presentation. Coins stored in their original capsules, tubes, or mint packaging are better protected from environmental exposure than loose coins stored without any barrier.
For home storage, a quality fireproof safe bolted to a structural surface provides both security and environmental stability. Climate-controlled environments with low humidity levels are preferable, and silica gel desiccant packets can be added to storage containers to manage moisture. Kilo coins and multi-coin collections represent meaningful weight and value, and buyers holding larger quantities should consider whether home storage capacity is adequate or whether third-party vault storage offers a more practical solution.
Professional vault storage services, offered through various depository facilities, provide insured, climate-controlled environments with institutional security standards. These services are typically available on a fee basis and are worth evaluating for buyers accumulating larger positions across multiple formats. Bank safe deposit boxes offer an intermediate option for smaller holdings, though they generally do not provide insurance coverage without a separate policy.
When you're ready to sell, the process at Bullion Standard is designed to be straightforward. Our purchasing team buys back a wide range of silver lunar coins, and the buyback price for each product is displayed directly on the product page alongside the ask price. This two-way market structure is a deliberate part of how we operate, because we believe liquidity should be considered before a purchase is made, not only when it's time to exit.
Buyback pricing is influenced by several practical factors including product type, format, silver weight, condition, packaging completeness, mint recognition, and current wholesale market conditions. Standard 1 oz and kilo BU coins in original mint packaging tend to receive the most straightforward pricing because they're easily verified and widely recognized within dealer networks. Proof, graded, and special-edition coins may receive adjusted pricing depending on condition and current collector demand. NGC-slabbed coins retain the advantage of pre-verified authenticity, which can streamline the assessment process.
To initiate a sale, customers can contact our purchasing team through the platform to receive a current quote based on live market pricing. Our goal is to make the selling process as transparent and efficient as the buying process, without pressure, hidden deductions, or pricing surprises. Understanding the spread between the buy and sell price before you purchase gives you a realistic picture of what to expect when it comes time to sell.
The appeal of silver lunar coins rests on a combination of characteristics that aren't easily replicated by generic silver bullion products. Government-issued legal tender status, consistent annual production from one of the world's most respected sovereign mints, and a recognizable thematic program that has run continuously for nearly three decades all contribute to their standing in the global silver market. The zodiac design cycle also creates an inherent completeness aspect that appeals to collectors alongside pure bullion buyers, giving the series broader market reach than many competing silver coin programs.
The range of available formats means buyers can tailor their purchases to their specific needs. The 1 oz coin offers an efficient balance of liquidity, recognizability, and manageable premium for buyers focused on silver content. Larger formats like the 5 oz, 10 oz, and 1 kilo coins reduce the number of individual pieces required to accumulate a given silver weight, which can simplify storage and handling. Proof and special-edition issues introduce a collectible dimension with lower mintage quantities, distinct finishes, and presentation packaging that appeals to buyers interested in the numismatic aspects of the program.
Silver as a metal also carries industrial relevance across electronics, photovoltaics, medical applications, and electrical components, which contributes to its global demand profile beyond the bullion market. This industrial dimension doesn't change day-to-day pricing in the way that purely speculative factors might, but it does mean silver trades within a broader market context that includes manufacturing and technology sectors alongside investment demand, giving it a more diversified demand base than purely decorative metals.
Bullion Standard was founded in 2010 in San Diego, California, with a straightforward philosophy: build a precious metals marketplace around transparency rather than high-pressure sales tactics. That philosophy has shaped every aspect of how we operate, from real-time pricing tied to live market conditions to the bid/ask spreads displayed on each product page. We don't believe in obscuring the true cost of ownership, and our pricing structure is designed to reflect that commitment rather than just state it.
Every product we sell is verified for authenticity, weight, and purity before it reaches our customers. We source from reputable mints, authorized distributors, and established wholesale market participants, and our team follows documented receiving and verification protocols. Bullion Standard maintains an A rating with the Better Business Bureau, holds membership in the American Numismatic Association and the National Coin and Bullion Association, and operates as an authorized dealer for both PCGS and NGC. These affiliations reflect operational standards we hold ourselves to, not just credentials displayed for appearance.
Customers can pay through a wide range of methods including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, bank-connected payments through Plaid, wire transfer, paper check, and cryptocurrency through BitPay. Secure checkout, reliable fulfillment, and accessible customer support are the operational fundamentals we focus on because they directly affect your experience. Our long-term goal is to give buyers the information, pricing transparency, and market access needed to make genuinely informed decisions about the physical silver they own.
Bullion Standard Pro is designed for buyers who want direct access to wholesale market pricing rather than standard retail pricing structures. Members transact at live, executable wholesale bid and ask prices across a broad range of precious metals products, including silver lunar coins. Unlike the traditional dealer model where markups and spreads are fixed by retail pricing structures, Pro pricing fluctuates naturally based on real-time supply and demand conditions within the wholesale silver market. This means the premiums and spreads members see reflect actual market dynamics rather than a predetermined margin layer.
Beyond pricing efficiency, Bullion Standard Pro provides access to proprietary market intelligence tools including historical premium analysis, premium percentile rankings, spread analysis, liquidity metrics, buy/sell ratio indicators, and wholesale market activity data. These tools are designed to help members evaluate individual products with the kind of objective, data-driven perspective that has historically been difficult to access in the physical metals market. For buyers comparing multiple silver lunar coin formats across years, series, and sizes, the ability to see historical premium behavior and spread tightness on a per-product basis provides meaningful context that goes beyond the current ask price.
Portfolio valuation within Pro is based on live executable wholesale bid pricing rather than estimated retail values, which gives members a more realistic picture of current liquidation value. For buyers accumulating silver lunar coins across multiple years and formats, this kind of real-time, wholesale-referenced portfolio view is a meaningful operational advantage. The platform is built around the belief that better information leads to better decisions, and Pro is where that belief is most fully expressed.
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