The Perth Mint created the phenomenon that has grown into the Zodiac craze in the precious metals industry. Its original Lunar Series of coins introduced between 1996 and 2007 captured the imagination of investors. Today, the Lunar Series II program is in full swing, and right now the 2011 1 Kilo Australian Silver Year of the Rabbit coin is available from JM Bullion.

Coin Highlights:

4 th coin in the Lunar Series II program.

coin in the Lunar Series II program. Ship in individual plastic capsules, multiples of 15 ship in boxes.

Contains 1 Kilogram (32.15 oz) of .999 pure silver.

Face value of $30 (AUD) is fully backed by the government of Australia.

Honors the Year of the Rabbit.

Lunar Series II coins were introduced in 2008 with the Year of the Rat (Mouse), restarting the program where the original did in 1996 with a rat design. These coins are the fourth in the new Lunar Series II program, and feature the cuddly and lovable rabbit.

Those born under the sign of the rabbit entered this world in 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, and 2011. Individuals born in the Year of the rabbit are regarded as intelligent, articulate, compassionate, and loyal. These 2011 Australian Silver Rabbit coins were struck in 1 oz and 1 Kilogram for individual sale, and originally offered in a 3-coin set with a 2 oz coin (available only in the set).

On the reverse face of this coin youll find the image of an adult and young rabbit hiding amongst the low brush. Engravings on this face include Year of the Rabbit, and the P mint mark of the Perth Mint.

The obverse feature the right-profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II as created in 1998 by Ian Rank-Broadley. This side includes engravings that read Elizabeth II, Australia, 1 KG 999 Silver 2011 30 Dollars. There is also an engraving of IRB, for the designer, under the bust of Her Majesty.

Australias Perth Mint is the nations oldest operating facility, having opened in 1898 and outlasting the former Royal Mint facilities in Sydney and Melbourne. Although it is not associated with the Royal Australian Mint, its coins are legal tender under the Currency Act of 1965.

Please direct your questions to a JM Bullion associate at 800-276-6508. You can also reach us online using our live chat and email features.