What animal are you in the Chinese Zodiac? Brand new £5 coin released!
The Chinese Zodiac calendar can be tracked back as far as the 14th Century B.C and has fascinated the imaginations of millions of people since.
As part of the eternal twelve-year cycle, an animal and its reputed attributes are assigned to each year.
Credit: cafeastrology
Like so many ancient traditions, the origin stories of the Chinese Zodiac vary. Some say that the Buddha called on animals to help mankind and only 12 responded. Others say a Great Race was held to determine which animal would be placed in the zodiac for eternity.
The Royal Mint are celebrating each animal on the Zodiac calendar with their Lunar Year Shēngxiào Collection £5 series.
2024 UK Lunar Year of the Dragon £5
The latest coin in The Royal Mint’s Lunar series has just been issued, celebrating the Year of the Dragon!
This £5 coin was the first UK coin to be dated 2024, and was also the first in the Lunar series to feature King Charles III on the obverse!
The Dragon is China’s most important cultural symbol, representing confidence, courage and intelligence – traits that are said to belong to those born in the Year of the Dragon. It’s thought to be the most powerful of the 12 Lunar beasts.
William Webb’s intricate design on the reverse of this coin fuses Chinese culture with British artistry to perfectly depict the powerful beast.
The 2024 UK Lunar Year of the Dragon £5 would make the perfect gift for anyone born in the Year of the Dragon, you can secure yours for just £13.99 (+p&p) here >>
2023 UK Lunar Year of the Rabbit £5
*No longer available at the Mint*
The tenth coin in the Shēngxiào Collection was issued in 2023 to celebrate the Lunar Year of the Rabbit.
Louie Maryon’s intricate design of this £5 coin shows the animal poised elegantly, capturing its gentle nature. An engraving of the Chinese Zodiac symbol for the Rabbit also features within the design, as well as the date ‘2023’.
In Chinese culture, the Rabbit is a symbol of hope and is the luckiest of the 12 animals. Those born in the Year of the Rabbit are said to be gentle, compassionate, and kind-hearted.
Secure your Lunar Year of the Rabbit £5 >>
2022 UK Lunar Year of the Tiger £5
2022 saw the Lunar Year of the Tiger celebrated on a UK £5 coin.
David Lawrence’s bespoke design of this £5 coin, shows the ‘King of the Beasts’ in Chinese culture, in a stance that emulates all of the animal’s desirable characteristics.
According to tradition, those born in the Year of the Tiger are adventurous, courageous, confident, and brave. To the right, we also see an engraving of the Chinese Zodiac symbol for the Tiger.
Add the Lunar Year of the Tiger £5 to your collection >>
2021 UK Lunar Year of the Ox £5
*No longer available at the Mint*
In 2021, a £5 coin was issued to celebrate the Lunar Year of the Ox!
Harry Brockway’s design of this £5 coin blends traditional Asian culture with British artistry, whilst also echoing characteristics of this formidable beast.
This impressive creature can be seen peacefully immersed in a British-inspired countryside, with the strength and size of its muscles taking centre-stage.
Qualities associated with people born in the Lunar Year of the Ox include being calm, patient, methodical and trustworthy. Lucky numbers for this Lunar Year include 1 and 4 and lucky flowers during this calendar include lily of the valley and lucky bamboo.
Click here to get your Lunar Year of the Ox £5 >>
2020 UK Lunar Year of the Rat £5
Starting in 2014 with the Year of the Horse, The Royal Mint have released a a new £5 coin every year as part of their Shēngxiào Collection.
Until 2020, these coins were only ever available in precious metal, however the 2020 UK Lunar Year of the Rat £5 was the first in the Shēngxiào Collection to be available in Brilliant Uncirculated quality.
A coin collecting first, the 2020 Lunar Year of the Rat Brilliant Uncirculated £5 coin was intricately designed by Royal Mint engraver P.J. Lynch to capture the characteristics of the people born in the Year of the Rat.
The design shows a single rat crouched and sniffing the air, showcasing its agility and inquisitiveness.
Other qualities associated with those people born in the Year of the Rat are intuitiveness and acuteness, while the element for these people is Water. Their lucky numbers could also include 2, 3, 6 and 8 and they should avoid number 4, 5 and 9.
The Chinese Zodiac Calendar – what animal are you?
There are twelve animals in total in the Chinese Zodiac calendar, but do you know what animal you are?
We’ve listed all twelve Zodiac animals below – let us know in the comments below if you think you match with your animal and its given characteristics!
- Rat: quick-witted, smart, charming, and persuasive
- Ox: patient, kind, stubborn, and conservative
- Tiger: authoritative, emotional, courageous, and intense
- Rabbit: popular, compassionate, and sincere
- Dragon: energetic, fearless, warm-hearted, and charismatic
- Snake: charming, gregarious, introverted, generous, and smart
- Horse: energetic, independent, impatient, and enjoy traveling
- Sheep: mild-mannered, shy, kind, and peace-loving
- Monkey: fun, energetic, and active
- Rooster: independent, practical, hard-working, and observant
- Dog: patient, diligent, generous, faithful, and kind
- Pig: loving, tolerant, honest, and appreciative of luxury
Which animal are you in the Chinese Zodiac? Let us know in the comments below!
yep. deffo the Dog is me.