2004 Australia 1/2 oz Silver Year of the Monkey BU (Series I)

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In 2004, Australia celebrated the Lunar Year of the Monkey with a striking silver coin issued under the authority of the Australian government. Struck from 0.5000 troy ounces of 0.999 fine silver, this sovereign coin carries a face value of 50 Cents and is preserved in brilliant uncirculated condition. A total of 52,792 of these half-ounce pieces were minted, making them a fascinating subject for study by those who appreciate modern lunar coinage. The reverse side, created by designer Sarah Anderson, depicts a detailed monkey perched on a tree branch, grasping a smaller leafy limb. This naturalistic scene captures the essence of the lunar theme. On the obverse, the coin displays the classic portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Ian Rank-Broadley. Legible inscriptions on the coin confirm its origin and metal purity, reading ELIZABETH II, AUSTRALIA, 50 CENTS, and 1/2 OZ 999 SILVER, alongside the designer's initials IRB.