The 1997 Ox Lunar coin is the second coin in The Perth Mint's Lunar Series. The obverse of the 1997 coin carries the effigy of a young Queen Elizabeth, the third official likeness of the Queen released by Buckingham Palace during her reign. The same effigy graces the obverses of the 1996 Mouse and the 1998 Tiger. In 1999, Australia adopted a more mature image of the Queen, one that Buckingham Palace had released in late 1997. This change resulted in the first three coins in the Lunar Series (the Mouse, the Ox, and the Tiger) carrying a young version of Queen Elizabeth, while the remaining nine coins carry a mature likeness.

Production of the one-ounce Gold Oxs will be limited to 30,000, as is the case for all the one-ounce gold coins of the Lunar Series. All the gold coins in the Lunar Series are minted of .9999 fine gold, and each coin comes individually encapsulated in plastic protective capsules. For mintage caps and specifications of both the Lunar Series gold coins and the Lunar Series silver coins, click here. The popularity of the Lunar Series is growing, as evidenced by the year 2000 one-ounce Gold Dragons and the year 2002 one-ounce Gold Horses having reached their 30,000-coin production limits.

No Silver Ox Coins Minted

Initially, The Perth Mint started with only the gold Lunar Series coins. As the Series grew in popularity, the Mint added silver coins in 1999 with the Year of the Rabbit. The designs on the silver coins are different from those on the gold coins.

It is likely that in 2008, when the Lunar Calendar starts another cycle, The Perth Mint will produce silver mouse coins, and in 2009 will mint silver ox coins.

Year of the Ox Traits

People born in the Year of the Ox are patient, taciturn, and inspire confidence. They tend, however, to be eccentric and bigoted. Ox people anger easily and have fierce tempers. Although they speak little, when they do they are quite eloquent. Ox people are mentally and physically alert. Generally easy-going, they can be remarkably stubborn, and they hate to fail or be opposed. They are most compatible with Snake, Rooster, and Mouse people.

Besides, 1997, other Ox years include 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937, 1925, 1913, and 1901.