The diminutive Mouse is revered in many eastern cultures because it outsmarted 11 much larger animals to become the first representative of the Lunar calendar.

The Chinese myth explaining its success takes many forms, but at its heart lies the Jade Emperor’s decision to divide time into cycles of 12 years – with each year overseen by a different animal.

To determine the order in which they would rule, the supreme deity invited all Earth’s creatures to take part in a race to the Heavenly Gate.

According to one version, the mouse and the cat were friends. But the cunning rodent did not wake his sleepy mate on the day of the contest – and the two became bitter rivals from that day forward.

With the race underway, the competitors encountered a fast-flowing river. The quick-thinking mouse asked the kind-hearted ox to carry him across the water – successfully hitching a ride on its back.

First to the opposite bank, the powerful beast charged on towards the Gate. But in a last second flash of inspiration, the mouse leapt from the animal and scurried towards the Emperor, stealing first place from his unwitting host.

Perth Mint coin artist Ing Ing Jong’s beautiful interpretation of the river crossing by 12 animals vying for top position in the lunar calendar  

The second place ox was followed by the impressive tiger and the agile rabbit who traversed the river by leaping from rock to rock.

The mighty dragon, which by tradition controls the weather, had been delayed by farmers anxious for rain and finished a surprising fifth.

Then came the snake, the horse, the goat, the monkey, the rooster, the dog and finally the pig.

Ancient Traditions

Based on phases of the moon, the ancient lunar calendar is reputed to have been invented in around 2,500 BCE. It was especially helpful for farmers, telling them when to plant and harvest.

Even after modern China adopted the Gregorian calendar, it has continued to exert significant influence.

Nowadays the lunar calendar still determines the timing of important festivals and provides auspicious dates for weddings and a surprising variety of other events in daily life.

Inevitably, people are acutely aware of the lunar animal which ruled their birth year and is said to reveal a great deal about their personality.

When the 12-year cycle resets on 25 January 2020, New Year celebrations worldwide will be held in honour of the year of the mouse, an animal whose enterprising spirits, insightfulness and work ethic are thought to help people born under its guardianship succeed at almost anything!

Among many customs at this time will be gift giving of red money packets. Said to contain guards disguised as coins, they are traditionally placed under children’s pillows to protect them from mythical monsters or offered to family and friends as well wishes for future health, wealth and prosperity.

Australian Lunar Coin Series III 

Inspired by these age-old stories and beliefs, the Australian Lunar was the first precious metal commemorative coin series of its type anywhere in the world. With today’s release of these beautifully crafted 2020-dated gold and silver coins, it’s now in its third consecutive cycle.

Appealing to many collectors and gift givers, the series is once again a prime focus for everyone born under the sign of the mouse – 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 and 2020.

Featuring naturalistic artistry of mice foraging among stalks of wheat on the gold coins and on husks of corn on the silver coins, it offers refreshing new appeal for established and new collectors alike.

Struck to our highest quality finish and each subject to a limited mintage that ensures their permanent rarity, Proof Issues from the Australian Lunar Series III have a pedigree unparalleled in modern numismatics.

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