The coin you'll receive will be issued inside the original presentation box accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity. Each 999 fine 1oz silver coin measures 38.61 millimetres in diameter and weighs a total of 31.21 grams, giving it an actual silver weight of precisely one troy ounce. This coin is one of the very few 2023 pieces which feature the late Queen's effigy. On the coin's obverse, Jody Clark's effigy of Queen Elizabeth II is visible, which is the fifth and final design of the Queen to appear on UK coinage. Louie Maryon is responsible for adapting these traits onto the reverse engraving of this collectable coin, which shows a young rabbit amongst a backdrop of leaves with the lettering 'YEAR OF THE RABBIT 2023' and the Chinese character '兔'. Rabbits have a zodiac reputation for intelligence, vigilance and gentleness, with those born in Lunar Rabbit years believed to be creative, compassionate and noble. Each annual release since has infused traditional Chinese culture with modern British design elements and the Year of the Rabbit range is no different. This 1 ounce Lunar Rabbit is the tenth release in the series but is actually the fourth animal in the zodiac: this peculiarity exists because the Mint began the series in 2014, which is in the middle of the lunar cycle. The number '8' is considered lucky in China, hence its use in the issue limit number.

To celebrate the occasion, the Mint issued a collection of proof coins and brilliant uncirculated coins, with this edition being the silver proof one ounce coin with a limited edition presentation of just 2,888. The Royal Mint continued with its popular Shengxiao Lunar coin series in 2023, with this year marking the 'Year of the Rabbit' in the Chinese zodiac.

Royal mint chinese new year coins