2026 Lunar Year of the Horse 1oz Gold Coin
For the 2026 Lunar New Year, the Royal Australian Mint is proud to present a gold and silver coin celebrating the Lunar Year of the Horse as the seventh release in its Lunar Investment Series. The exquisitely designed coins depict the free-spirited Horse amongst gingko leaves – representing hope, strength and resilience.
The Chinese Zodiac is a cycle of twelve years, with each year represented by an animal and its corresponding characteristics. In 2026, Lunar New Year falls on 17 February and begins the Year of the Horse – the seventh animal in the cycle.
In Chinese element theory, each sign has a corresponding element depending on the year. Specifically, 2026 is year of the Fire Horse and people born in this year are said to be passionate, energetic, independent, creative and artistic.
Struck by the Royal Australian Mint from 1oz of 99.99% pure gold, each coin is issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965 and has a maximum mintage of 5,000.
DESIGN
The reverse depicts the free-spirited Horse amongst gingko leaves – representing hope, strength and resilience. The reverse also includes the inscriptions “YEAR OF THE HORSE” and 馬 – the traditional Chinese character for horse, as well as the coins weight and fineness.
The obverse of each coin bears the Lunar calendar wheel, rotated so that the horse is shown at the top. The obverse also features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III sculpted by Daniel Thorne, as well as the monetary denomination and 2026 year-date.
PRESENTATION
Each bullion coin is presented in a protective capsule.
Technical Specifications
| Year Date | 2026 |
| Gold Content (Troy oz) | 1.000 |
| Monetary Denomination (AUD) | 100.00 |
| Fineness (% purity) | 99.99 |
| Diameter (mm) | 38.74 |
| Finish | Brilliant Uncirculated |
| Maximum Mintage | 5,000 |
| Obverse Designer | D. Thorne |
| Reverse Designer | B. Scott |
ABOUT ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT
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