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The Australia 1 oz. Silver Year of the Rat 2020 coin is a beautifully crafted release from the renowned Perth Mint, part of the Lunar Series III that celebrates the ancient Chinese zodiac cycle. The Year of the Rat marked the first coin in the third iteration of the Mint’s widely acclaimed lunar program, which began with Lunar Series I in 1999. Drawing inspiration from centuries of Chinese cultural tradition, the coin honors the rat’s place as the first of the twelve zodiac animals and symbolizes intelligence, adaptability, and resourcefulness. With its intricate design, impeccable finish, and limited mintage, the 2020 Year of the Rat silver coin appeals to both collectors and investors seeking high-quality, culturally significant bullion pieces.
The Chinese lunar calendar has long influenced art, folklore, and coinage throughout Asia and, more recently, in the global numismatic community. Each lunar year corresponds with one of twelve animals, with the rat heralding the start of the cycle. Those born under the sign of the rat are believed to be clever, quick-witted, and versatile. The Perth Mint has masterfully translated these attributes into a compelling silver coin that captures both the charm and symbolic weight of the zodiac animal. The 2020 release also reflects the continuation of a tradition that has helped define modern Australian bullion: fusing high-purity precious metal with cultural storytelling and artistic excellence.
The obverse of the 2020 Year of the Rat 1 oz. Silver coin features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, designed by artist Jody Clark. This portrait, introduced in 2018, portrays the Queen wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem and earrings, with a refined and realistic expression. Surrounding the portrait are the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II,” “AUSTRALIA,” “1 OZ 9999 Ag,” and the denomination “1 DOLLAR.” The proof-like finish on the obverse gives the Queen’s portrait a lifelike quality, with frosted elements standing out against mirror-like fields. This side of the coin represents the coin’s legal tender status and reinforces the national authority behind its production and value guarantee.
The reverse of the coin is a stunning tribute to the Year of the Rat, showcasing two rats foraging among stalks of corn—an image symbolizing abundance, fertility, and survival. Designed by Ing Ing Jong, a celebrated artist at the Perth Mint, the rats are rendered in exquisite detail, with lifelike fur textures, expressive eyes, and dynamic poses. One rat is perched atop an ear of corn, while the other looks upward, as if exploring its surroundings. Above the design is the Chinese character for “rat,” while beneath it are the words “YEAR OF THE RAT” and the Perth Mint’s distinctive “P” mintmark. The balance and symmetry of the scene evoke harmony and movement, celebrating the creature’s energy and adaptability.
The 2020 1 oz. Silver Year of the Rat coin was struck from 99.99% pure silver, offering a high-purity option for investors while providing numismatists with an intricately designed collectible. Measuring 40.9 mm in diameter and 3.5 mm thick, the coin has a satisfying presence in hand and a diameter large enough to accommodate the fine artistry that defines the Perth Mint’s lunar program. The quality of the strike is exceptional, with each detail—down to the individual kernels on the corn stalks—sharply rendered thanks to the Mint’s precision tooling and quality control standards. The coin's brilliant uncirculated finish enhances its visual impact, featuring soft satin fields and sharply frosted reliefs.
The Perth Mint has a long-standing reputation for limited mintage bullion coins, and the 2020 Year of the Rat 1 oz. silver coin is no exception. The maximum mintage for this release was capped at 300,000 coins worldwide, a relatively low number compared to many other government-issued silver bullion coins. This controlled mintage adds to the collectibility of the series and ensures that demand may exceed supply over time. The combination of high silver purity, artistic design, and mintage limitation makes the Year of the Rat coin a strong choice for those building a complete lunar set or seeking a coin with long-term appreciation potential.
The coin’s condition is paramount to its appeal. In brilliant uncirculated condition, the coin displays no wear, with crisp devices, unblemished surfaces, and excellent luster. Many examples have also been professionally graded and encapsulated by third-party grading services such as NGC or PCGS, with MS70 coins commanding a premium for their perfect condition. Coins that remain in original mint-sealed capsules also retain high value, as they are protected from toning, abrasions, and environmental damage. The Perth Mint’s individually housed packaging helps preserve these pieces in pristine shape, reinforcing their collectible quality.
Another attractive element of the 2020 Year of the Rat coin is its place within a highly sought-after thematic series. Lunar Series III builds on the success of the earlier Series I and Series II coins, both of which have seen strong collector interest and secondary market growth. For many, completing a twelve-year set with one coin issued annually is an enjoyable and fulfilling collecting goal. The release of the rat, as the first coin in the new cycle, holds particular significance—it marks a fresh start and often becomes one of the most sought-after pieces in any lunar series due to its position as the inaugural design.
Collectors and investors alike are drawn to the Year of the Rat coin not only for its bullion value but also for the cultural richness it represents. The image of the rat interacting with nature in a peaceful setting invokes themes of prosperity, renewal, and ingenuity. The Perth Mint’s ability to elevate such symbols through masterful artistry has contributed to the global popularity of its lunar coin programs. Whether purchased as a gift for someone born in a Year of the Rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, or 2020) or acquired as a bullion investment, the coin carries layered significance.
The Australia 1 oz. Silver Year of the Rat 2020 is a testament to the Perth Mint’s ability to blend cultural celebration, numismatic excellence, and bullion investment in a single striking release. As the first issue in Lunar Series III, the coin enjoys heightened importance, both thematically and in terms of market demand. With its limited mintage, artistic integrity, and .9999 silver purity, the Year of the Rat coin is poised to remain a centerpiece for collectors of modern world silver and fans of the lunar calendar alike. Its beauty, symbolism, and precision minting ensure that it will be appreciated for generations to come.