2008 Australia 1 oz Silver Year of the Mouse BU (Series II)

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In 2008, Australia celebrated the Year of the Mouse with a sovereign silver coin that kicked off the highly anticipated Lunar Series II. Struck from one troy ounce of 999 fine silver, this Brilliant Uncirculated piece showcases a delightful reverse design depicting two small mice resting on a bed of straw, set against a backdrop of pumpkins. The Chinese character for "Mouse" also appears on this face, alongside the Perth Mint's traditional "P" mint mark. The obverse features the classic effigy of Queen Elizabeth II designed by Ian Rank-Broadley, with his initials visible below the portrait. Encircling the queen's likeness are the inscriptions indicating her name, the issuing nation of Australia, the 2008 year of issue, the one-dollar face value, and the weight and purity of the precious metal. With a limited mintage of 300,000 pieces, this coin remains a fascinating study in modern numismatic art.