The 2015 Royal Mint year of the sheep 1oz silver coin – A personal & collectible lunar treasure...
Precious metals stacking and collecting have always been about more than just weight and purity for me. Some coins tell a story, mark a moment in time, or carry a personal connection that makes them far more valuable than their silver content alone. The 2015 Royal Mint Year of the Sheep 1oz Silver Coin is one of those special pieces in my collection, one that holds a deeper meaning beyond the metal.
This particular coin was an instant must-have for me because 2015 was the birth year of my son, fondly nicknamed "Half-Pint". As a collector, it seemed only right to mark the occasion with a silver coin from his birth year, and what could be more fitting than a Year of the Sheep design? Given that we're Welsh, and sheep are as much a part of our national identity as dragons and daffodils, it felt like fate had lined up perfectly for this one.
The 2015 Year of the Sheep is part of the Royal Mint’s Shēngxiào Collection, a 12-coin series celebrating the Chinese zodiac. The series merges British minting heritage with Chinese symbolism, making it a unique addition to both lunar coin collections and Royal Mint enthusiasts alike. In Chinese culture, those born under the Year of the Sheep (or Goat, as it's sometimes known) are believed to be gentle, kind, and artistic, with a strong connection to family and tradition. While I'm yet to see if "Half-Pint" grows into all these characteristics, there’s no doubt that this coin will always be a part of his personal history and inheritance.
- Denomination: £2
- Metal: .999 Fine Silver
- Weight: 1 Troy Ounce (31.21g)
- Diameter: 38.61mm
- Reverse Designer: Wuon-Gean Ho
- Obverse Designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS
- Quality: Bullion
- Year of Issue: 2015
One of the things that makes this coin stand out is its intricate and beautifully balanced design by British-Chinese artist Wuon-Gean Ho. As the second release in the Royal Mint’s Shēngxiào Collection, it follows the 2014 Year of the Horse but sets a high standard for the rest of the series. The reverse features two Swaledale sheep, standing side by side, their thick, curled fleece detailed in stunning precision. Behind them, a Chinese landscape backdrop reflects the fusion of Eastern and Western influences in the design, creating a piece that feels both traditional and modern. The composition has a peaceful, almost poetic quality to it, capturing the thoughtful nature associated with the Sheep in the Chinese zodiac.
On the obverse, the familiar portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Ian Rank-Broadley, reminds us that this is still a UK legal tender coin, carrying a denomination of £2. With a diameter of 38.61mm and struck in .999 fine silver, the coin has a presence that is both visually impressive and tactilely satisfying. Though minted as a bullion coin, its unique artistic elements and cultural significance make it more than just another piece of silver—it is a collector’s item with a story.
As the second release in the Royal Mint’s Lunar series, the 2015 Year of the Sheep represents an early and highly sought-after piece in the collection. While not as widely recognized as Britannias or Maples, the Lunar series remains a fascinating niche for collectors who appreciate the fusion of British and Chinese design. Wuon-Gean Ho’s work stands out as a perfect blend of these influences, making this coin one of the most visually appealing Royal Mint releases of its time. Its limited availability adds to its appeal, ensuring that those who own it hold onto a piece of both numismatic and cultural significance.
As much as I love stacking for weight and security, I also enjoy owning coins that tell a story. This 2015 Year of the Sheep is more than just silver—it is a personal keepsake for my son, a reflection of our Welsh heritage, and a reminder of why collecting is so much more than just numbers and ounces. Maybe in the future, Half-Pint will take an interest in collecting himself, and this coin will be the first piece of silver he truly values—not just for its metal content, but for the story it holds. And if not? Well, at least I’ll always have a beautifully designed sheep coin that feels right at home in a Welshman’s stack.
40+yr old, trying to shift a few pounds and sharing his efforsts on the blockchain. Come find me on STRAVA or actifit, and we can keep each other motivated .
Proud member of #teamuk. Teamuk is a tag for all UK residents, ex-pats or anyone currently staying here to use and get a daily upvote from the community. While the community actively encourages users of the platform to post and use the tag, remember that it is for UK members only.
Come join the community over on the discord channel- HERE
Want to find out more about gold and silver? Get the latest news, guides and information by following the best community on the blockchain - silvergoldstackers. We're a group of like minded precious metal stackers that love to chat, share ideas and spread the word about the benefits of "stacking". Please feel free to leave a comment below or join us in the community page, or on discord.
