2008/2007 Australian Year of the Rat Lunar 1 oz Silver Bullion Coin

These 2008/2007 Australian Year of the Rat Lunar 1 oz Silver Bullion Coins are manufactured by The Perth Mint. They commemorate the first animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac and feature different years on the obverse ('2007') and reverse ('2008').

The reason for the differing dates is that The Perth Mint's gold lunar series began in 1996, while the Lunar Series I did not start until 1999. With their 2nd lunar cycle due to begin in 2008, the mint issued the remaining Series I silver coins, allowing collectors to complete their collection. These series I coins are all dated 2007. With the gold and silver coins aligned, the perth mint were then able to release their lunar series II collection.

• 0.999 fineness
• Contains 1 troy ounce of silver
• Diameter: 40.6mm

See our Australian Lunar silver coin collection.

Perth Mint Prime Distributor

Chards is a leading distributor of bullion for the Perth Mint. This includes all three of the Australian Lunar series in a variety of sizes in both gold and silver, as well as other Perth Mint products, all of which are sourced directly from their mint headquarters in Western Australia.

Australian Lunar Series I & II

The introduction of the Lunar Series II, featuring a slightly altered design, commenced in 2008. This led to an overlap between Series I and Series II for a duration of two years, from 2008 to 2010.

2008 Year of the Rat

In China, they celebrated the Chinese Year of the Rat in 2008. Individuals born between the following dates are considered to be an Rat in the Chinese lunar year calendar and are associated with the earth element.

Date: February 6th 2008

End: January 25th 2009

What Years Come Under the Sign of the Chinese Lunar Rat?

The Years of the Rat include: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, and every 12 years later.

Personality of Rat Signs

Individuals born in the Year of the Rat are often described as clever, intelligent, and are known for overcoming challenges. They are well-suited for careers in such as entrepreneur, business, lawyer, and racing car drivers.

Famous People Born in the Year of the Rat

Here is a short list of famous celebrities, who were born during the Chinese lunar calendar Year of the Rat.

• King Charles III (Charles George): 14 November, 1948 - Earth Rat
• Diego Maradona: 30 October 1960 - Metal Rat
• Eminem (Marshall Mathers): 17 October 1972 - Water Rat
• Avril Lavigne: 27 September 1984 - Wood Rat
• Tom Holland: 1 June 1996 - Fire Rat

The obverse of these coins feature the fourth portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Ian-Rank Broadley and are dated 2007, the actual year of issue.

ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA · 1 DOLLAR 2007 ·

The reverse side, designed by Ing Ing Jong, depicts a rat standing on its hind legs with its nose in the air, perhaps sniffing for food. It features the main Lunar Calendar date of 2008, along with the following inscription:

2008 1 OZ 999 SILVER