1996 Australia 1/4 oz Gold Lunar Rat (Series I)

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In 1996, the Perth Mint initiated an artistic journey through the Chinese zodiac with its Series I Lunar coin program. This quarter-ounce gold release celebrates the Year of the Rat, representing the first animal in the traditional twelve-year cycle. Struck with a highly refined gold purity of 0.9999, this sovereign coin carries a face value of 25 Dollars and is fully backed by the government of Australia. The reverse of the coin features a detailed depiction of a rat scaling a rocky terrain, an original design by artist Tony Dean. Alongside the climbing rodent, the traditional Chinese character for "Rat" is clearly inscribed. This side also denotes the year 1996, marking the beginning of this celebrated numismatic series. On the obverse, the coin displays the elegant portrait of Queen Elizabeth II created by sculptor Raphael Maklouf. Surrounding the royal effigy are inscriptions detailing the weight of one-quarter ounce, the exceptional 0.9999 gold purity, and the official denomination of 25 Dollars. With a remarkably low mintage of just 1,390 pieces, this Brilliant Uncirculated issue remains a fascinating study in low-mintage bullion craftsmanship.