1 oz, UK, 2021, Silver, Lunar Collection - Year of the Ox

"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."

"People who are born in the Year of the Ox are known for possessing traits such as diligence, dependability, strength and determination. They have a truthful nature and view family and work as very important. Possessing great patience and a strong desire to advance in life, oxen work hard to achieve their goals. They are not easily influenced by others and try to do things in their own way. They almost always have a detailed plan and enjoy great success as a result." as stated by the mint

The coins were issued as "bullion" (Brilliant Uncirculated grade), as well as proofs for collectors.

Coin Specifications:

On bullion coins, the rim of the obverse is "crenellated" (with a toothed border) and the background is textured, like the Britannia coins; on proof coins, the rim is plain and the background is smooth.

Many of the coins in the Lunar series have a Maximum Coin Mintage featuring the number 8, considered "lucky" in Chinese culture