2026 Year of the Horse 1oz Silver Proof Domed Coin
To celebrate the Lunar Year of the Horse, the Royal Australian Mint is releasing this 2026 $5 Fine Silver Proof Domed Coin. Lunar New Year is celebrated across the world, with coins considered auspicious gifts. Featuring the lively and adventurous Horse on the reverse and the lunar calendar wheel on the obverse, this coin is an ideal gift or collectible.
The Horse is the seventh of the twelve signs in the Chinese Zodiac. According to legend, twelve animals participated in a race across a river to allow the Jade Emperor to establish the order of the signs of the Chinese horoscope.
The galloping Horse looked like it would take sixth place, right after the Dragon, but it was startled by the Snake suddenly appearing at its hooves and ultimately finished in seventh place.
People born in the Year of the Horse are said to be passionate and free-spirited. Famous international Horses include film director James Cameron, environmental activist Greta Thunberg, and musician Paul McCartney. Well-known Australian Horses include actress Margot Robbie and horse trainer Gai Waterhouse.
Each coin is struck by the Royal Australian Mint from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver and is issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965 with a mintage of 7,500.
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 coin comes encapsulated inside of a black Royal Australian Mint display case presented in a red Year of the Horse shipper. Each coin comes accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity.
Technical Specifications
| Year Date | 2026 |
| Silver Content (ozt) | 1.000 |
| Weight (g) | 31.1 |
| Monetary Denomination (AUD) | 5.00 |
| Fineness (% purity) | 99.9 |
| Diameter (mm) | 39.62 |
| Maximum Mintage | 7,500 |
| Obverse Designer | D. Thorne |
| Reverse Designer | B. Scott |
| Packaging | Encapsulated coin in display case |


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