The 2016 Perth Mint year of the monkey 1oz silver coin

Collecting silver has always been about more than just stacking weight, it’s about history, culture, and the artistry that goes into each coin. One of the most captivating series for collectors is the Perth Mint’s Australian Lunar Series II, which beautifully captures the symbolism and tradition of the Chinese zodiac. The 2016 Year of the Monkey 1oz Silver Coin is a standout piece in this series, not just for its stunning design but also for its low mintage, premium appeal, and the intriguing personality of the monkey itself.

The monkey is the ninth animal in the 12-year lunar cycle, and those born under this sign—whether in 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, or 2016—are said to be intelligent, ambitious, quick-witted, and adventurous. The monkey is also known for its mischievous streak, which seems fitting given the playful, engaging design on this coin’s reverse. Released by the Perth Mint on October 5th, 2015, this coin became a sought-after piece for both investors and collectors, with a strict mintage of just 300,000 coins, making it far scarcer than many other modern bullion coins.

The reverse of the 2016 Year of the Monkey silver coin, designed by Ing Ing Jong, captures the clever and familial nature of the monkey. It features an adult monkey with a baby monkey sitting in a peach tree, with the baby gazing at a ripe peach, a symbol of immortality in Chinese culture. This design reflects the strong bonds of family and wisdom passed down through generations, a fitting tribute to those born under the monkey sign. The scene is beautifully detailed, from the textured fur of the monkeys to the delicate branches and leaves of the peach tree. The Chinese character for ‘Monkey’ appears in the design, along with the inscription ‘Year of the Monkey’ and the Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark, a guarantee of authenticity.

The obverse of the coin features the well-recognized fourth portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Ian Rank-Broadley. Interestingly, despite a fifth portrait being unveiled in 2015, the Perth Mint chose to keep the fourth portrait on this coin to maintain consistency throughout the Lunar Series II collection. The obverse also includes the denomination, country of issue, and Queen’s name, reinforcing the coin’s legal tender status.

Any one else grow up watching "Monkey" on TV

Struck in 99.9% pure silver, the coin has a large diameter of 45.6mm, giving it an impressive presence in hand. Unlike many bullion coins, the Lunar Series II coins are sold in protective plastic capsules straight from the mint, ensuring they remain in pristine condition. This attention to quality is one of the reasons Perth Mint coins are highly regarded among stackers and collectors.

The Lunar Series II coins have always carried a higher premium than standard bullion pieces like Kangaroos, Maples, or Philharmonics. This is partly due to their lower mintage, detailed designs, and strong collector demand, especially among those building complete sets of the series. The 2016 Year of the Monkey release was no exception, quickly selling out at many dealers and becoming a hard-to-find coin on the secondary market.

For investors, the 999 fine silver content and limited mintage make this coin an attractive long-term hold, particularly since Lunar Series coins tend to appreciate in value over time. The strong demand for Chinese zodiac coins also means these pieces often command a premium above spot price, making them a smart addition to any precious metals portfolio.

What makes the 2016 Year of the Monkey special to me is the energy and personality it brings to my collection. Unlike traditional bullion coins that feature standard designs year after year, Lunar Series coins change annually, making each release distinct and collectible. The monkey’s playful yet intelligent nature resonates with me—there’s something symbolic about the curiosity and ambition it represents, much like the journey of a precious metals collector who is always on the lookout for the next great piece.

As someone who appreciates numismatic beauty and investment potential, this coin is a perfect balance of both. The combination of Perth Mint craftsmanship, Chinese cultural heritage, and a limited mintage makes it one of the most appealing lunar silver releases in recent years. Whether you're a collector looking to complete the Lunar Series II set or an investor seeking a unique, high-demand bullion piece, the 2016 Year of the Monkey 1oz silver coin is a choice that will always stand out in any stack.

The 2016 Perth Mint Year of the Monkey 1oz Silver Coin is a brilliant example of why Lunar Series coins remain among the most collectible modern bullion pieces. With its stunning design, strong cultural symbolism, and limited mintage, it has everything a silver stacker or numismatist could want. For those lucky enough to have one in their collection, it’s a reminder of intelligence, adventure, and a bit of mischievous fun—a fitting tribute to the Year of the Monkey.

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