4629) "Lunar Year of the Goat", Burundi: APMEX has minted a 2 oz Silver & Jade Year of the Goat Proof a 25 Burundian Franc (Franc Burundais in French) Coin brought out by the APMEX on behalf of the Banque de la République du Burundi (BRB): Date/Year of Coin issue: 09.07.2027:
(APMEX stands for American Precious Metals Exchange. It is a U.S.-based online precious-metals dealer that sells gold, silver, platinum, palladium, coins, and bullion bars).
The Zodiac cycle renews itself every 12 years and, as such, the third series will conclude with the 2028 release.
This is the year which is represented by the 12-animal lunar zodiac, the "Year of the Horse" is considered special.
How does the Lunar Calendar or Chinese Zodiac Cycle work?
I consulted some of the books which have been kept in my personal library and got acquainted with some interesting facts about the Chinese Zodiac/Lunar Calendar:
The exact origins of the 12 animal signs is rather lost in the obscurity of time, but there is no doubt that they originated in China. In terms of the Chinese astrological "history", the 12 animals are of a rather recent introduction - for it seems that in the 2nd Century BC, Ssu Ma Chi'en (163-85 BC), who was the grand astrologer to Emperor Wu Ti, wrote the Shi Chi or "historical record" up to that time. In this book, there is no "Zodiac" or mention of the 12 animals.
Originally, the 12-year cycle that it takes the planet Jupiter to complete one orbit of the Sun was believed to have defined the earlier calendars. The Chinese still call this cycle "The Great Year" and each month corresponds to one of our own years.
By the 10th Century AD, however, after Buddhism had been established in China, Calendar Almanacs, such as those written by Tibetan monks in exile in the "Caves of the Thousand Buddhas" monastery in the remote reaches of North-western China, depicting the 12 animals, came into existence.
The legend of the Conference of animals called by the Buddha and naming of the 12-year cycle after 12 animals for the Chinese Lunar Calendar:
According to a legend, it was the Buddha (583-463 BC), who created the 12-animal cycle.
He is believed to have invited all the animals in the land to hold a conference together. The Buddha was not surprised, as in his wisdom, he knew that some of the animals were friendly towards others, while others were inimical/enemies.
To encourage attendance, he decided to name the years after the first twelve animals, in order of their arrival.
An invitation from the Buddha was hard to resist, and when they heard the news, all the animals set off at once, each determined to be the first to arrive.
Tiger, because of his energy and speed, at first took the lead. Soon, though, he began to tire and the early lead that he had achieved over his next rival Ox, who may have been slow, but had great stamina, soon dissipated. Ox reached the Buddha ahead of Tiger and prepared to bow down low to receive his honour.
But, what the sturdy Ox did not know was that clever Rat had sneaked a ride on his tail!!
Just before Ox's nose touched the floor at the Buddha's feet, nimble and swift Rat ran up the Ox's tail, along his back and jumped off his nose, thus winning the race to be the first to bow before the Buddha.
So Rat (or "Tze" or "Xi" is its Chinese name"), became the first animal in the Chinese Lunar Calendar/Zodiac, followed by a rather resentful Ox ("Chou").
Tiger ("Yin"), Rabbit ("Mao"), Dragon ("Chen"), Snake ("Si"), Horse ("Wu"), Goat ("Wei"), Monkey ("Shen"), Rooster ("You"), Dog ("Xu") and Pig ("Hu"), all followed, and in that order, paid homage to the Buddha and were each honoured with a year.
Interestingly, Dragon is the only mythical beast in the Chinese Circle of Zodiacal animals.
According to the Lunar or Chinese Zodiac, each year is assigned to the above-referred animals, in accordance to a 12-year cycle:
The lunar calendar is 12 months long, with each month corresponding roughly to one cycle of the Moon's movement - from a new moon, through to a full Moon and back to a new Moon.
The lunar calendar is also known as the agricultural calendar as it divides the year into seasons. Agriculture was the principal economy of ancient China.
Even today, the lunar calendar still has great significance for the Chinese people, who use it to set the luckiest dates for traditional events and activities, such as weddings, funerals, launching new ventures and moving to a new house.
About the Lunar Year of the Goat:
Though the grains belonged to the heavens, the Goat took them out of compassion, choosing to help humanity even at personal risk. This act of kindness became its defining trait in the Chinese zodiac.
According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Goat is a symbol of steadiness, compassion, and creative insight; in 2027, these qualities are enriched by the Fire element that adds warmth, motivation, and a spark of inspiration to everything the Goat touches.
People born in the Year of the Goat are known for their gentle wisdom and quiet determination—they solve problems with grace, stay true to their values, and uplift those around them. The Goat’s legacy of nurturing the world is thoughtfully reflected on the reverse of this 99.99% pure gold kilo coin, where a flame motif and lucky flowers symbolise creativity, abundance, and the promise of growth.
Symbolising gentleness and peace in Chinese culture, the Goat represents artistic, compassionate, and nurturing individuals. A popular myth tells of a divine Goat bringing five types of life-improving grains to humanity out of compassion. The design incorporates carnations—for love and devotion—on the Goat's body, along with a hint of the auspicious fire motif for the 2027 Fire Goat year.
What is a Fire Goat (or Sheep or Ram):
A "Fire Goat" is a specific Chinese zodiac sign that combines the Goat (or Sheep) with the Fire element, occurring in years like 1967, 2027, and 2087. It represents gentleness, creativity, and care infused with fire’s warmth, charisma, and urgency
Like the Fire Goat, let your creativity lead the way in 2027.
Lunar Year of the Goat — Stamps & Coins
The “Lunar Year of the Goat” refers to the 2027 Chinese zodiac year, when the Goat (also called Sheep or Ram) is the zodiac sign, and is celebrated through special commemorative stamps and coins issued by various countries.
Some other issues: Mongolia, Solomon Islands, and other countries have also issued 2027 Goat coins in silver and gold.
Lunar Year of the Goat — Stamps
Many countries issue commemorative stamps for the Goat year, often as part of their Lunar New Year series.
Examples include:
China — 1991 Xinwei Year of the Goat stamp (slabbed edition).
Ghana — 2015 Lunar New Year of the Goat souvenir sheet.
Philippines, Singapore, France, Taiwan — various 2015
Goat year stamps.
These stamps often feature traditional motifs and are
sold in sheets or individual issues, sometimes as part of Lunar New Year
collections.
The Coin:
2027 Burundi 2 oz Silver & Jade Year of the Goat Proof
This proof coin features the new design for this popular series using jade and silver.
The low mintage of 1,888 coins provides collectible appeal to the eye-catching design. The jade green color can vary to the nature of the stone.
Reverse: A carved profile of a goat on the natural jade stone is in the centre with a goat motif in a woodland and a privy mark of a goat in 24k gold plating.
Inscription of year of issue on the top of the coin reads - "YEAR OF THE GOAT - 2027."
Obverse: National emblem of Burundi.
On the inner periphery is the inscription - "IBANKI REPUBLIKA Y' UBURUNDI. UBURINDI-IBIKORWA-AMAJAMBERE". Also inscribed is the denomination of the coin - "25 FRANCS" and the metal composition "2 oz" and "Ag 999". The motto on the emblem says - "UNITE. TRAVAIL. PROGRES."
This Sovereign Coin is backed by the Burundi government.
The Presentation Box/Case:
The Presentation Box/Case - Open displaying the Reverse of the siver and Jade Coin and the Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
The Presentation Box/Case - closed.
The Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
The specifications of this coin are:
Mintage of only 1,888 coins.
Comes with a box and a certificate of authenticity.
Year: 2027
Grade: Proof (P)
Denomination: 25 Burundian Francs
Diameter: 55.00 mm
Links:
Links to some more posts on the Chinese Lunar calendar/Zodiac signs on this Blog:
Links to posts on "The Year of the Horse -Wu":
Lunar Year of the Goat - Wei:
