2018 $1 Year of the Dog - Lunar Series Al/Br Uncirculated Coin in Card

To Celebrate the Year of the Dog in 2018, the Royal Australian Mint has released the last set of coins from its highly-regarded Lunar Series.

Reflecting many of the original Lunar Series design elements these coins are a stunning representation of this Chinese zodiac sign.

The Chinese Zodiac, Shen Xiao, has its basis in a twelve-year cycle. Each year is represented by one of twelve animals with unique personality traits, with these characteristics being passed on to people born in that year.

In 2018, the Lunar Year of the Dog will see the births of many people who are said to be faithful, courageous, agile, smart and warm-hearted.

The Chinese Lunar Calender also rotates through the elements of earth, fire, water, metal and wood as part of a larger 60-year cycle.

The earth dogs born this year will also be communicative, serious and responsible in work.

At many Chinese celebrations, holidays and special events, monetary gifts are given to wish hope and prosperity to younger people. These offerings are traditionally given in red envelopes, a colour which both symbolises good luck and wards off evil forces.

The reverse features an artistic representation of a dog surrounded by the original Lunar Series design elements.

The coin's obverse features Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II effigy sculpted by Ian Rank-Broadley.

Each coin is packaged in a Chinese-inspired card and housed in an elegant 'Lai-See/Hongbao' envelope.

Each coin is issued as Australian legal tender.