Silver Coin Chinese Calendar 2 Oz 2022 Antique Standard

Chinese Calendar

The exclusive silver coin partially filled with semi-permeable resin issued by the State of Niue in 2022 in high relief weighing 2 Oz (62.2 g) in the purest 99.9% silver with Antique Standard finish is inspired by the ancient Chinese and brings an original take on the Chinese calendar.

The reverse side of the coin bears the zodiac motif of the Chinese lunar calendar. Towards the centre of the coin, the twelve segments of the zodiac are followed by Chinese characters with the name of the animal. The sections with the names of the individual lunar animals are highlighted with semi-transparent resin in a red shade. The following is a series of characters for the advanced calendar system. A yin-yang symbol is placed in the center of the coin. The traditional expression of balance from Chinese philosophy represents two distinct yet complementary elements. For example, it expresses the opposites of light and dark, the feminine and masculine elements, water with earth versus wind with fire.
The Chinese calendar is officially referred to as the Agricultural Calendar. One of the oldest calendar systems, it combines elements of the lunar and solar calendars. It is still used in several Asian countries to determine the New Year. The Chinese New Year begins with the new moon before the winter solstice. In the 12-year period, an animal (mouse/rat, buffalo, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep/goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig) is assigned to each year to represent its nature. It is controlled by the associated characteristics of the elements (metal, water, wood, fire and earth) and the yin-yang poles. In the 13th century, the 60-year cycle was introduced, which astronomers used to count hours, days, months and years. Each year of the cycle is a unique combination of a selection of the 12 signs of the zodiac, the 10 celestial trunks and the 12 terrestrial branches.

The obverse features a traditional portrait of Elizabeth II with the initials of the artist and the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", "NIUE ISLANDS", the denomination and year of issue. It includes purity information and mint mark.

The coin is supplied in a presentation box which contains a certificate of authenticity. The mintage is limited to 600 pieces for the whole world!

This product is part of the following product sets: