A new silver lunar bullion coin has appeared at an Asian dealer from the Royal Canadian Mint. Struck in either an ounce, or half an ounce of ultra-fine (0.9999) silver, it has a mintage apparently set at 200,000 of each size. Said to be struck to a reverse proof-like standard, the design certainly looks attractive enough, going with a stylistic representation of a rooster rather than the literal, realistic look that the Perth Mint has chosen. The obverse has the obligatory Susanna Blunt effigy of Queen Elizabeth on it, used only by the RCM, and it has a denomination of $5 and $2, so it’s clearly not part of the, now possibly defunct, face value programme.

There is no information on release date, or selling options (likely tubes and monster boxes at that mintage) at present, or of a likely level of premium. A very nice coin, possibly the best bullion lunar this year, especially after the demise of the excellent Treasures of Oz range. If you want to know where to buy them, we’ve only seen them at Hong Kong dealer Lucius Precious Metals so far, but it’s sure to spread around shortly.