Chinese Zodiac Lunar Year Series

The Royal Mint’s Shēngxiào Collection celebrates the Chinese lunar calendar through beautifully designed commemorative coins. With each coin dedicated to a different zodiac animal, this East-Asian inspired series has become a hugely popular annual release, showcasing a wonderful cultural infusion of designs.

The Chinese Lunar Calendar is a repeating 12 year cycle, each year is represented by an animal, a person born within the year of a certain animal is said to take on the traits. The traditions of the Chinese zodiac and astrology go back thousands of years, it is further split into '4 pillars' and '4 Trines'. Practitioners of Chinese astrology consult such traditional details and compatibility to offer putative guidance in life or for love and marriage.

2024 The Lunar Year of the Dragon, the Shēngxiào Collection

Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024)
A powerful sign, those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Dragon are energetic and warm-hearted, charismatic, lucky at love and egotistic. They’re natural born leaders, good at giving orders and doing what’s necessary to remain on top. Compatible with Monkey and Rat.

2023 The Lunar Year of the Rabbit, the Shēngxiào Collection

Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rabbit enjoy being surrounded by family and friends. They’re popular, compassionate, sincere, and they like to avoid conflict and are sometimes seen as pushovers. Rabbits enjoy home and entertaining at home. Compatible with Goat or Pig.

Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Tiger are authoritative, self-possessed, have strong leadership qualities, are charming, ambitious, courageous, warm-hearted, highly seductive, moody, intense, and they’re ready to pounce at any time. Compatible with Horse or Dog.

2022 The Lunar Year of the Ox, the Shēngxiào Collection

Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)
Another of the powerful Chinese Zodiac signs, the Ox is steadfast, solid, a goal-oriented leader, detail-oriented, hard-working, stubborn, serious and introverted but can feel lonely and insecure. Takes comfort in friends and family and is a reliable, protective and strong companion. Compatible with Snake or Rooster.

2025 The Lunar Year of the Snake, the Shēngxiào Collection

Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025)
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Snake are seductive, gregarious, introverted, generous, charming, good with money, analytical, insecure, jealous, slightly dangerous, smart, they rely on gut feelings, are hard-working and intelligent. Compatible with Rooster or Ox.

2020 The Lunar Year of the Rat and the traditional Chinese Lunar Calendar.2020

Rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rat are quick-witted, clever, charming, sharp and funny. They have excellent taste, are a good friend and are generous and loyal to others considered part of its pack. Motivated by money, can be greedy, is ever curious, seeks knowledge and welcomes challenges. Compatible with Dragon or Monkey.

Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026)
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Horse love to roam free. They’re energetic, self-reliant, money-wise, and they enjoy traveling, love and intimacy. They’re great at seducing, sharp-witted, impatient and sometimes seen as a drifter. Compatible with Dog or Tiger.

Goat (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027)
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Goat enjoy being alone in their thoughts. They’re creative, thinkers, wanderers, unorganized, high-strung and insecure, and can be anxiety-ridden. They need lots of love, support and reassurance. Appearance is important too. Compatible with Pig or Rabbit.

Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028)

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Monkey thrive on having fun. They’re energetic, upbeat, and good at listening but lack self-control. They like being active and stimulated and enjoy pleasing self before pleasing others. They’re heart-breakers, not good at long-term relationships, morals are weak. Compatible with Rat or Dragon.

2019 The Lunar Year of the Pig, £1000 denominated, 1 kilo Gold Proof Coin

Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029)
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rooster are practical, resourceful, observant, analytical, straightforward, trusting, honest, perfectionists, neat and conservative. Compatible with Ox or Snake.

Dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030)
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Dog are loyal, faithful, honest, distrustful, often guilty of telling white lies, temperamental, prone to mood swings, dogmatic, and sensitive. Dogs excel in business but have trouble finding mates. Compatible with Tiger or Horse.

Pig (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031)
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Pig are extremely nice, good-mannered and tasteful. They’re perfectionists who enjoy finer things but are not perceived as snobs. They enjoy helping others and are good companions until someone close crosses them, then look out! They’re intelligent, always seeking more knowledge, and exclusive. Compatible with Rabbit or Goat.