2026 Year of the Horse Coin Set
To celebrate the Lunar Year of the Horse, the Royal Australian Mint is releasing this 2026 $1 Uncirculated Two-Coin Set featuring the lively and adventurous Horse and the lunar calendar wheel.
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 believed to be passionate, free-spirited, and filled with energy. Famous international Horses include director James Cameron, environmental activist Greta Thunberg, and musician Paul McCartney. Well-known Australian Horses include actress Margot Robbie and horse trainer Gai Waterhouse.
Struck by Royal Australian Mint, these coins are issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965 and have a mintage of 30,000.
DESIGN
The first coins reverse depicts the free-spirited Horse amongst gingko leaves as well as the inscriptions “YEAR OF THE HORSE” and the Chinese character for horse. The second coins reverse depicts the lunar calendar wheel, rotated so that this year the Horse takes the pride of place.
The obverse of each coin features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III sculpted by Daniel Thorne as well as the monetary denomination and 2026 year-date.
PRESENTATION
These coins are packaged in an auspicious red and gold card and outer sleeve.
Technical Specifications
| Year Date | 2026 |
| Denomination (AUD) | 1.00 |
| Metal Content | AlBr |
| Mass (g) | 9.00 |
| Diameter (mm) | 25.00 |
| Finish | Uncirculated |
| Maximum Mintage | 30,000 |
| Obverse Designer | D. Thorne |
| Reverse Designer | B. Scott |
| Packaging | Encapsulated coins in card |
ABOUT ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT
Anonymous (verified owner) –
It worth it.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
I wish to be silver, but it is still ok to collect it….