2011 Rabbit 1⁄4 ounce Gold Proof Gold coins

In 2011, the popular Australian Lunar Gold Coin Series celebrates the Year of the Rabbit, the fourth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. These superb releases are perfect for people born in the Year of the Rabbit – 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999 and 2011 – who are regarded as intelligent, articulate, compassionate and loyal.

Proof Quality 99.99% Pure Gold

Each coin is meticulously struck from 99.99% pure gold in proof quality, the 2011 releases are available, 1/4oz,

Unique Reverse Design

The reverse of each coin depicts a rabbit next to a cabbage and a pot with Chinese lettering. The Chinese character for ‘rabbit’ and the inscription ‘Year of the Rabbit’ also appear in the design with The Perth Mint’s traditional ‘P’ mintmark.

Australian Legal Tender

Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, each coin features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2011 year-date and the monetary denomination are shown on the obverse of each coin.

Extremely Limited Mintages

No more than, 5,000 1/4oz coins, 5,000

Certificate of Authenticity

Each coin and set is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Elegant Presentation

Gold Proof Australian Lunar Series II coins are housed in elegant oval-shaped display cases featuring a granite effect base and a glossy timber-effect lid. Each case comes in an illustrated shipper.

Great Gift Ideas

As well as appealing to proof coin collectors, these outstanding releases also make great gifts for people born in any year ‘ruled’ by the Chinese lunar rabbit.

Technical Specifications

1/4oz

1/10oz

Gold Content (Troy oz)

0.25

Monetary Denomination (AUD)

25

Fineness (% purity)

99.99

Minimum Gross Weight (g)

7.777

Maximum Diameter (mm)

22.60

Maximum Thickness (mm)

2.20

Year of the Rabbit – 3 February 2011 to 22 January 2012

The Rabbit is the fourth sign of the Chinese Zodiac. The rabbit is a particularly lucky emblem and those born under this sign are believed to have an uncanny gift for choosing the right thing.

Well-respected and wise, people with ‘rabbit’ personalities are renowned for their excellent memories and good taste. They make honourable and successful business partners and are also conservative by nature.

Famous people born in the Year of the Rabbit include Brad Pitt (1963), Angelina Jolie (1975), George Orwell (1903), Germaine Greer (1939), Albert Einstein (1879), and Confucius (551BC).

Chinese Lunar Calendar

Reputedly the oldest chronological record in history, the ancient Chinese Lunar Calendar dates back beyond 2,600 BC. Based on the appearance of the new moon, it associates a different animal with each year in the 12-year lunar cycle.

Traditionally, the first year of the lunar cycle is ‘ruled’ by the mouse. According to legend, the order of the animals in Chinese astrology was determined by their race across a river. Unknown to the ox, the mouse hitched a ride on its back, leaping to victory at the very last second. The tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig followed the quick-thinking mouse and the flabbergasted ox to dry land.

In Chinese culture, each animal is believed to influence the personality of the people born under its ‘rule’. The following table makes it easy to determine your most likely Lunar animal. The exact dates of the current Lunar year, which are dictated by the appearance of the new moon, are included below.