Lunar (Shēngxiào)

The Complete Guide to the Shēngxiào Collection

In 2014 The Royal Mint united British and Chinese traditions to create the first official UK Lunar coins. The Shēngxiào Collection, named after the Chinese zodiac, is based upon 12 animals that have their own unique characteristics and qualities.

First issued in 2014, the series has been minted in varying denominations of Silver and Gold as both bullion and proof.

1oz Silver Bullion


Each coin contains two troy ounces (31.21g) of 999.9 fine silver - Diameter 38.61mm

Obverse Engraver - Jody Clark

Reverse Engravers - Wuon-Gean Ho (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018), Harry Brockway (2019), P.J. Lynch (2020)


The Royal Mint altered the release of their Lunar series from 2021 onwards to feature just Proof and Brilliant Uncirculated quality coins, discontinuing the bullion releases.

1oz Silver Proof


Each coin contains two troy ounces (31.21g) of 999.9 fine silver - Diameter 38.61mm

Obverse Engraver - Jody Clark

Reverse Engravers - Wuon-Gean Ho (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018), Harry Brockway (2019, 2021), P.J. Lynch (2020), David Lawrence (2022), Louie Maryon (2023)

2014 Mule


In March 2014, it was reported that a number of 1oz bullion coins had mistakenly been struck with the incorrect die (with dentils around the edge).


Around 38,000 of the Lunar Horse coins were struck with an obverse intended for the Britannia series while 17,000 Britannia coin were stuck with the obverse for the Lunar series

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