2026 1/4 oz Australia Perth Mint Lunar Series III: Year of the Horse .9999 Gold Coin (BU)

Honor the legendary energy and freedom of the Fire Horse with the 2026 1/4 oz Gold Lunar Year of the Horse Coin, part of the globally renowned Lunar Series III from the Perth Mint. Struck in .9999 fine gold, this Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) coin continues the mint’s celebrated tradition of exquisite craftsmanship and cultural storytelling.

This is the seventh release in the 12-coin Lunar Series III, inspired by the Chinese zodiac. With its fractional size, stunning artistry, and sovereign backing, this quarter-ounce gold coin is an ideal option for investors seeking accessibility and collectors pursuing meaningful symbolism.

Coin Highlights:

• Contains 1/4 troy ounce of .9999 fine gold
• Struck by the prestigious Perth Mint in Brilliant Uncirculated condition
• Seventh coin in the Perth Mint’s Lunar Series III
• Obverse features the Dan Thorne effigy of King Charles III
• Reverse depicts a spirited horse rearing on a rocky slope
• Australian legal tender with a face value of $25 AUD
• Unlimited mintage for 2026 to accommodate global demand
• Arrives in a protective acrylic capsule for secure storage

The Power of the 2026 Fire Horse

The Year of the Horse returns in 2026, but this isn’t just any zodiac cycle—it marks the arrival of the Fire Horse, a unique alignment of element and animal that happens only once every 60 years. Those born under this rare sign are believed to be especially ambitious, confident, and independent.

People born in previous Fire Horse years—like 1966—are often viewed as bold trailblazers. In Chinese astrology, horses symbolize adventure, passion, and drive, while the fire element intensifies these traits, making this a powerful emblem for those looking to harness energy, creativity, and unstoppable willpower.

The 2026 1/4 oz Gold Lunar Horse Coin makes an exceptional gift for anyone born under this sign, and a compelling addition to any portfolio that values both cultural symbolism and precious metal integrity.

A Fusion of Art and Excellence from the Perth Mint

Renowned for innovation, artistry, and some of the highest production standards in the world, the Perth Mint continues to captivate collectors with the Lunar Series III, launched in 2020. This series reimagines the ancient Chinese zodiac with fresh designs and dynamic compositions while maintaining a commitment to purity and quality that bullion buyers worldwide trust.

Obverse Design:

The obverse features the official effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, created by artist Dan Thorne. This left-profile portrait is the first of its kind on Australian coinage, marking the beginning of a new royal era. Encircling the portrait are the inscriptions:

• "CHARLES III"
• "AUSTRALIA"
• "1/4 oz 9999 GOLD"
• "25 DOLLARS"

This side of the coin blends classic sovereign presentation with a modern regency shift.

Reverse Design:

The reverse of the coin captures a muscular horse rearing defiantly on a mountainous slope, symbolic of strength, autonomy, and dynamic force. The elegant backdrop enhances the animal’s motion and spirit, reflecting the unbridled nature of the zodiac’s most energetic sign.

Surrounding the artwork are the inscriptions:

• "HORSE 2026"
• The Chinese character for "Horse"
• The Perth Mint’s “P” mint mark

This meticulously detailed design embodies the bold, unrelenting essence of the Fire Horse.

About the Lunar Series III

Perth Mint’s Lunar Series III is a continuation of one of the most successful modern bullion collections, following Lunar Series I (1996–2007) and Series II (2008–2019). Beginning in 2020 with the Year of the Mouse, this third iteration offers a dynamic new visual interpretation of the zodiac signs while maintaining the mint’s legacy of purity, artistry, and international acclaim.

Each year’s design pays tribute to the unique characteristics of the animal in the Chinese lunar calendar, and the series is offered in a variety of sizes and metals including silver, gold, and platinum—making it accessible to a broad range of collectors and investors.