Silver Five Ounces 2017 Year of the Rooster, RAM, Coin from Australia - detailed information

The Australian five ounces silver piece (abbreviated as 5 oz and designated with Ag for "silver") is a bullion and commemorative coin format. Uniquely, in Australia there are two mints authorised to strike legal tender: the Royal Australian Mint (which also makes the country's circulating coinage) and the Perth Mint which only makes collector and bullion coins, as well as other bullion products.

Both mints endeavour to create coins with attractive designs, and to introduce new designs and themes often, in order to raise the numismatic value of the coins over the value of previous metal used.

This five-ounce silver coin with a face value of $10 was issued as part of the Lunar Series of coins to mark the 2017 Chinese Year of the Rooster (28 January 2017 - 15 February 2018).

The Mint says:
These coins combine the talents of award-winning coin designer Vladimir Gottwald with beautiful illustrations by Stevan Stojanovic. Reflecting many of the original Lunar Series design elements these coins are a stunning representation of this zodiac sign.

The Chinese Zodiac, Sheng Xiao, has its basis in a twelve-year cycle. Each year is represented by one of twelve animals with unique personality traits, with these characteristics being passed on to people born in that year. In 2017, the Lunar Year of the Rooster will see the births of many people who are said to be focused on their duties and attentive to fine details while being sensitive to their friends and families.

The Chinese Lunar Calendar also rotates through the elements of earth, fire, water, metal and wood as part of a larger 60 year cycle. The fire roosters born this year will also be deep thinkers who enjoy a life of luxury.

At many Chinese celebrations, holidays and special events, monetary gifts are given to wish hope and prosperity to younger people. These offerings are traditionally given in red envelopes, a colour which both symbolises good luck and wards off evil forces.