4622) "Lunar Year of the Goat", Canada: The Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) has minted a 1 (One) kilogram Pure Gold Coin featuring the "Lucky" Goat (or Ram or sheep): Date/Year of Coin issue: 09.07.2027:
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.
The Horse year comes once every 12 years, but the "Fire Horse" specifically is much rarer, appearing only once every 60 years (the last was in 1966).
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.
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.
The Reverse of the 2,500 (Dollars - CAN) designed by Aries Cheung celebrates the nurturing spirit that sparks new ideas and possibilities in 2027, the Year of the Goat.
Drawing on the legend of the Goat bringing grain from the Jade Emperor’s fields to the people, the design shows the energetic Goat rearing gently toward the grain, a gesture that reflects its reputation for fostering a supportive and generous environment. Lucky flowers—carnations and primroses—bring positive energy to the scene, adorning the Goat’s body and the ground beneath its feet as it hops on its way to do good deeds, while a flame motif represents the ruling element in 2027, Fire.
The traditional Chinese character for Goat/Sheep (“羊”) appears in a small circular inset, set against a sky filled with auspicious swirling clouds.
The reverse also includes the word “CANADA” and the face value of “2500 DOLLARS”.
The Obverse of the 2,500 (Dollars - CAN) features the effigy of Charles III designed by Steven Rosati.
- This lucky Goat Coin comes in a kilo of pure gold. Celebrate the Year of the Goat (2027) with this dazzling collector’s item crafted in 1 kilogram of 99.99% pure gold.
- A premium offering. This low-mintage, high-value coin is the most prestigious piece in our annual Lunar New Year collection.
- It is the sixth piece in Royal Canadian Mint's Lunar Year series of kilo coins.
- Blessings of good luck and fortune. From lucky carnations to auspicious clouds, the intricately engraved design is filled with auspicious elements to attract good fortune in 2027.
- A highly exclusive gift. Honours those born in the Year of the Goat (or Ram or Sheep): 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 and 2027.
- A rare exclusive. A prestigious addition to any collection, especially those focusing on gold coins and/or Chinese zodiac themes. Only 66 coins are available to collectors worldwide.
- Includes serialised certificate. The Royal Canadian Mint certifies all of its collector coins.
- The Kilo coin’s 101.6 mm diameter provides ample room for the kind of finely engraved details that have special significance but would otherwise be lost on a smaller coin.
Packaging/Presentation Case:
The Gold Kilo Coin comes encapsulated and elegantly presented in a luxurious red lacquered wooden case with a red beauty box, evoking the Chinese New Year custom of gifting “lucky money” in a red envelope.
The Lunar Year of the Goat pure gold kilo coin is encapsulated and elegantly presented in a red lacquered wood case with a red outer box, evoking the Chinese New Year custom of gifting “lucky money” in a red envelope.
The Presentation Box/Case - Open displaying the Reverse of the Gold Coin in a lucky Red Case.
Country of issue: Canada; Mint: Royal Canadian Mint (RCM); Coin Theme: "Lunar Year of the Goat (or Sheep or Ram); Mintage: 66 pieces; Metal Composition: 99.99% pure gold; Weight: 1006.1 g; Diameter/Size: 101.60 mm; Edge: Serrated; Denomination: $2,500; Finish/Coin Quality: Proof (P); Packaging: Red lacquered wood box with red graphic beauty box; Designers: Aries Cheung (reverse), Steven Rosati (obverse).
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":
The "Real de a Ocho - Roots of Canadian Currency":
National Parks Coin Series:
3) ) FIFA World Cup 2026, Mexico: The Mexican Mint (Casa de Moneda de Mexicohas minted Commemorative Bi-metallic, Gold and Silver Coins for 2026 FIFA World Cup: Date/Year of Coins issue: 14.05.2026
Links:
Links to posts on Ghana West Africa:
1) Adinkra symbols of Ghana, West Africa
2) Lake Bosumchwe or Bosumchwi, Ghana
3) Mole National Park, Ghana
4) El Mina Castle/Fort, Ghana
5) Funerals in Ghana
6) Larabanga Mosque and the Mystic Stone
7) Food and culture of Ghana
8) visit to Ghana
9) Qware: The ancient National Game of Ghana
10) Coinage and Currency og Ghana - Cedi and Pesewas
Canada's Unexplained Phenomena Coin Series Posts on this blog:
New Generation Coin Series:
Links to FIFA World Cup 2026:
Links to "Star Wars: A New Hope™":
Links to posts on Boba Fett:
Other Links:
Links to The Bad Batch Coin Series:
Rajan Trikha has commented:
ReplyDelete"Interesting and informative post 👍"
Thank you so much Trikha sahab.
DeleteSantosh Khanna has commented:
ReplyDelete"A very interesting Post. Thanks for sharing."
Thank you so much Khanna sahab.
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