2020 Australia 1/2 oz Silver Lunar Year of the Rat Ingot

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The Chinese zodiac begins its twelve year cycle with the clever and resourceful rat. In 2020, the Royal Australian Mint celebrated this traditional lunar symbol with a rectangular silver ingot, departing from the typical round format to offer collectors a distinct canvas. Struck in a half ounce of 0.999 fine silver, this modern bar has a limited mintage of just 10,000 pieces, making it a notable release for those exploring contemporary lunar bullion. The reverse side of the bar showcases a detailed depiction of a rat amidst lychee fruit, a design rich in texture and cultural imagery. On the obverse, the bar displays the classic effigy of Queen Elizabeth II designed by Ian Rank-Broadley. Surrounding the portrait are legible inscriptions denoting the country of origin, the year 2020, and the official face value of 1 Dollar, establishing its status as legal tender under Australian authority.