Coin Highlights
- Year: 2016
- Country: Australia
- Mint: The Perth Mint
- Denomination: $1 AUD
- Composition: .999 Fine Silver
- Silver Weight: 1 Troy Ounce
- Weight: 31.135 grams
- Diameter: 45.60 mm
- Grade: NGC MS70
- Series: Australian Lunar Series II
- Theme: Year of the Monkey – Monkey King
- Finish: Colorized
- Mintage: 100,000
- Available from: CV Coins & Collectables
The coin’s specifications include a 1 troy ounce silver weight, .999 fineness, $1 Australian denomination, and 45.6 mm diameter.
Obverse
The obverse features the Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, surrounded by inscriptions identifying Australia, the denomination, silver weight, purity, and 2016 date.
Reverse
The reverse presents a vibrant colorized depiction of the legendary Monkey King seated against a mountainous backdrop with two young monkeys. The design also incorporates the Chinese character for “monkey,” the inscription “Year of the Monkey,” and The Perth Mint’s traditional “P” mintmark.
Historical Significance
The Monkey King, also known as Sun Wukong, is one of the best-known figures from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. The character is celebrated for his extraordinary strength, intelligence, adventurous nature, and supernatural abilities. The design connects this famous cultural figure with the 2016 Chinese Lunar Year of the Monkey.
Collectibility
Graded NGC MS70, this example represents the highest numerical Mint State grade assigned by NGC. The perfect grade, distinctive colorized Monkey King artwork, one-ounce silver content, and popular Perth Mint Lunar Series II theme give the coin added appeal for collectors of modern Australian and Lunar coinage.
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