The Perth Mint’s Lunar Series II Silver coins are widely known among investors and collectors for their combination of .999 fine silver and detailed designs. Introduced in 2008, the series follows the animals of the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, with each year featuring a new design. Because of this rotating theme, each release draws attention from collectors around the world. Today, the 2008 5 oz Australian Silver Lunar Mouse Coin is available from BullionMax.

Coin Highlights:

• Arrives in a plastic capsule!
• 1st issue of the Lunar Series II program at Perth Mint!
• Celebrates the Year of the Mouse!
• Final mintage of 3,005 coins!
• Contains 5 troy oz of .999 pure silver.
• Bears a face value of $8 (AUD) backed by the federal government of Australia.
• The obverse features Queen Elizabeth II.
• On the reverse, two mice are shown on a bed of straw near pumpkins.

Each 2008 5 oz Australian Silver Lunar Mouse Coin is packaged in a protective plastic capsule. This coin was released as part of the first year of Perth Mint’s Lunar Series II program, which ran from 2008 through 2019. In its debut year, the series included seven different weights ranging from a massive 10-kilogram coin down to a 1/2 troy oz option. The 5 oz silver coin concluded sales with a final mintage of just 3,005 coins.

The Year of the Mouse, commonly called the Year of the Rat, began a new twelve-year cycle in the Chinese lunar calendar in 2008. This starting point in the zodiac cycle carries special meaning in Chinese tradition. The Rat is associated with cleverness, quick thinking, and adaptability. People born in the Year of the Rat are often said to be resourceful and able to make the most of opportunities that come their way.

The obverse of the 2008 Australian Silver Lunar Mouse Coin shows a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. This right-facing likeness was created in 1998 by Ian Rank-Broadley and depicts the Queen wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. The Rank-Broadley effigy was used on many Commonwealth coins and remained the primary portrait of the Queen for many years.

On the reverse of the 2008 5 oz Silver Lunar Mouse Coin is a detailed scene featuring two mice resting on a bed of straw. Behind the mice, two pumpkins add additional depth to the design. The scene highlights the careful engraving and fine detail that the Perth Mint is known for in its coin programs.

If you have any questions when buying silver, BullionMax customer service is happy to assist. Our team can be reached at 800-729-3202, through our online web chat, or by email.