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The Australia $5 1/20 Ounce Gold Horse 2014 MS70 NGC is a remarkable modern bullion coin that blends numismatic artistry with high-purity gold content. Issued by the Perth Mint as part of its renowned Lunar Series II, this coin celebrates the Year of the Horse, honoring the Chinese zodiac calendar and its centuries-old traditions. As the seventh animal in the 12-year Chinese lunar cycle, the horse represents freedom, strength, endurance, and an unrestrained spirit—traits beautifully captured in the coin's dynamic design. Struck in 99.99% pure gold, this tiny yet detailed piece reflects both cultural richness and precious metal investment appeal, made even more significant by its flawless MS70 certification from NGC.
The history behind the Lunar Series at the Perth Mint dates back to 1996, when the first Lunar Series debuted to international acclaim. Building on that success, Lunar Series II began in 2008 and continued through 2019, offering yearly designs that honored each animal in the Chinese zodiac. The 2014 Year of the Horse coin, released in the lead-up to the lunar new year beginning January 31, 2014, celebrates individuals born under this sign—considered to be energetic, intelligent, and highly spirited. Each annual release in the Lunar Series II is distinctive, and the 2014 Horse is no exception, displaying powerful imagery that connects to both Eastern symbolism and global admiration for equine grace.
The reverse of the 2014 Gold Horse coin features a captivating design by artist Ing Ing Jong, known for her contribution to several of the Perth Mint’s most successful numismatic pieces. This design portrays a spirited horse in mid-stride, galloping through a natural landscape with its mane and tail billowing in motion. The image captures not only physical strength but also the untamed energy that the horse symbolizes. Above the horse is the Chinese character for “horse,” while the English inscription “Year of the Horse” curves elegantly beneath the scene. The fine detailing, even on such a small coin, showcases the Perth Mint’s commitment to artistic and technical excellence.
The obverse of the coin bears the classic effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Ian Rank-Broadley. This portrait was the official image used on Commonwealth coinage from 1998 to 2015 and is widely appreciated for its dignified and realistic representation of the monarch. Surrounding Her Majesty’s profile are the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II,” “AUSTRALIA,” “5 DOLLARS,” “2014,” and “1/20 oz 9999 GOLD.” The precise rendering of the Queen’s features and the bold, clean text exemplify the high-quality production for which the Perth Mint is known, even in the smallest fractional sizes.
The coin was struck at the Perth Mint, one of the world’s most prestigious mints and a facility with a legacy stretching back to 1899. Originally a branch of the Royal Mint in London, the Perth Mint is now wholly owned by the Government of Western Australia and is internationally acclaimed for producing both circulating and collector coins of the highest standards. Its Lunar Series II coins are recognized globally for their purity, beauty, and cultural importance. Each coin is legal tender under the Australian Currency Act of 1965, although its bullion value far exceeds its face denomination.
The mintage of the 1/20 oz gold coins within the Lunar Series II is deliberately limited to ensure collectibility and premium value. While the larger 1 oz coins receive most of the attention from bullion investors, the fractional issues such as the 1/20 oz Gold Horse offer accessibility and portability, and they enjoy popularity among collectors who wish to complete full lunar sets or who favor smaller denomination gold. The 2014 1/20 oz Gold Horse had a maximum mintage of just 18,000 coins, with fewer still achieving perfect certification grades such as MS70. These coins are increasingly sought after as the series becomes more established and difficult to complete.
Graded MS70 by NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company), this coin represents the pinnacle of mint state quality. A grade of MS70 means the coin has no post-production flaws visible under 5x magnification. The surfaces are pristine, the strike is flawless, and the eye appeal is maximum. The “Early Releases” or “Lunar Series” designation—if present on the label—adds further appeal, signifying timely submission and correct series attribution. Encapsulated in NGC’s protective holder, the coin is safeguarded against environmental damage and clearly authenticated for future resale, trade, or investment.
The 1/20 oz Gold Horse coin offers not only aesthetic and numismatic charm but also practical value. With a diameter of just 14.6 mm, the coin demonstrates that beauty and detail need not be sacrificed in small formats. It is perfect for collectors who value intricacy and symbolic meaning in a compact, affordable form. Its fractional size also makes it ideal for gifting, especially during Chinese New Year, weddings, or milestone celebrations—when gold and zodiac imagery carry special meaning in East Asian culture.
The Year of the Horse design remains a standout within the Lunar Series II, appealing to those born in 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, and 2014, or anyone who resonates with the attributes of the horse: freedom, confidence, energy, and endurance. For Australian and international collectors, the coin connects not only to the traditions of the Chinese zodiac but also to the rich history of horse symbolism in cultures worldwide. The imagery on this coin resonates across East and West, reflecting the universal admiration for this noble animal.
The Australia $5 1/20 Ounce Gold Horse 2014 MS70 NGC encapsulates the brilliance of Perth Mint craftsmanship, the spiritual depth of the Chinese zodiac, and the timeless allure of pure gold. Its limited mintage, flawless condition, and cultural resonance make it a prized addition to any collection focused on modern world gold, zodiac themes, or elite numismatic issues. Whether displayed individually or as part of a full lunar series, this coin represents precision, tradition, and the enduring beauty of gold coinage on a miniature scale.