Australian Mint releases coin for Chinese New Year, Year of the Rat

A brand new coin has been unveiled by the Royal Australian Mint. And, depending on the year you were born, it will bring good luck.

The Royal Australian Mint has revealed a new range of commemorative coins to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year and the Year of the Rat.

The year 2020 will be the start of the next 12-year lunar cycle, with one of the uncirculated coins depicting a rodent and the other featuring each animal in the calendar.

The sharp-witted rat is surrounded by lucky lychee as well as the symbol for Fu, which means happiness.

The 12 animals of the lunar cycle.

Those born in the year of the rat are said to be clever, outgoing and sensitive. Their lucky number is two, which makes the year 2020 especially lucky.

The other coin has a lunar calendar wheel featured and tells the story of the race between the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac.

The cheeky rat with his lucky lychee.

According to Chinese tradition, the Emperor of Heaven challenged the animals to a race that was won by the smart and persuasive rat after it hitched a ride with the ox.

“Not only (are the coins) a traditional gift for those who celebrate Chinese New Year but serve as a beautiful tangible memento of the start of the next lunar calendar cycle,” the mint’s responsible minister Michael Sukkar said.

The coins can only be bought and are collectable only.

The gold-domed coin will set you back $2995.00, while the rest of the range is priced between $12.50 and $125.00.

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GREAT AUSSIE COIN HUNT

Australia Post and the mint released millions of $1 coins last month featuring classic Australian themes such as the Hills hoist, a quokka and an Esky.

There will be a different design for each letter of the alphabet with the first six available now.

A will feature Australia Post, F for footy, I for Iced VoVo, M for meat pie, S for surf lifesaving and X for the tiny township of Xantippe.

Look how adorable that is!

Hills hoist, mate.

But there’s a catch.

The only way to get your hands on the iconic coins will be to make a purchase at an Australia Post store and receive the limited edition $1 coins in the change.

“We want everyone to get involved,” Australia Post consumer and community executive general manager Nicole Sheffield said.

“Not only will it be really exciting to hunt for all the coins and build an amazing collection, but each and every coin opens up the opportunity for wonderful conversations about quintessential Australian life.

“It’s a great way for grandparents to connect with grandchildren and for all of us to share our own experiences and memories with each other — both here and with friends and family overseas.”

Onya Toady.

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