1 oz, UK, 2016, Silver, Lunar Collection - Year of the Monkey
1oz, UK, 2016, Silver, Shēngxiào(Chinese Lunar) Collection - Year of the Monkey. The 2016 Year of the monkey bullion coins is the Third issue in the Royal Mint's Shēngxiào Collection - a coin series dedicated to the Chinese Lunar calendar.
"For centuries The Royal Mint has drawn upon its unrivalled heritage, experience, and craftsmanship to evolve and meet the needs of an ever-changing market. In 2014 we struck the United Kingdom’s first Chinese Lunar coins, introducing a new series and the United Kingdom's first. The Shēngxiào Collection, named to honour the Chinese zodiac, is a celebration of the UK’s diverse multi-cultural society. At Chinese New Year, gifts and tokens are exchanged, particularly the gift of money in red envelopes, symbolising good wishes for the recipient’s health, wealth and prosperity. These Lunar coins from The Royal Mint embrace this globally observed tradition, lending a unique British angle to an ancient tradition." as stated by the mint.
The design of the 2016 Year of the Monkey coins shows two Rhesus monkeys in a tree. Rhesus monkeys and humans shared a common ancestor about 25 million years ago. They are extremely intelligent, sociable and family-oriented, and are equally good at climbing and swimming.
The coins were issued as "bullion" (Brilliant Uncirculated grade), as well as proofs for collectors.
Coin Specifications:
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Country |
United Kingdom |
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Year |
2016 |
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Value |
1 Oz Fine Silver, 2 Pounds, Two Pounds, £2 |
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Metal |
1 troy oz Fine Silver .999 |
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Weight |
31.210gm |
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Diameter |
38.610mm |
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Thickness |
3 mm |
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Obverse Design |
Jody Clark(JC) |
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Reverse Design |
Wuon-Gean Ho |
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Shape |
Round |
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Last issue of series |
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Obverse |
Features the crowned old head of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem crown worn for her Coronation (her effigy known as the "Fifth Portrait"). The rim is not "crenellated" (with a toothed border), unlike the Britannia bullion coins. Lettering: ELIZABETH II · D · G · REG · F · D · 2 POUNDS · JC (initials) |
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Reverse |
Features two Rhesus monkeys frolicking in a tree, arms outstretched while they leap to another tree branch. The monkey is believed to symbolize luck, honour, and wealth. Lettering: YEAR OF THE MONKEY 2016 1 OZ FINE SILVER 999 Below, is the Chinese character for "monkey": 猴. |
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Edge |
Milled (no inscription) |
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Mintage |
Proof Mintage |
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2016 |
Unknown |
Unknown |
- Material
- Fine-Silver
- Denomination
- £2
- Shape
- Round
- Time
- 2000s
- Object
- Mammal
Person (king, queen, tsar, president) - Rulers
- Queen Elizabeth II
- Weight
- 1 oz