Usher in the Year of the Rabbit

Usher in the Year of the Rabbit

The beginning of the Lunar New Year is traditionally a significant celebration to the Chinese community around the world and in New Zealand

In time for this auspicious occasion which begins today, 3 February 2011, New Zealand Mint has released a 1oz coloured proof silver coin aptly named Snow Paw Print as part of its Rabbit coin series.

According to the Chinese zodiac, amongst the 12 zodiac signs those born under the sign of the Rabbit are said to be the most delicate - but they have a determined streak.

The reverse design of the distinctive coin is a full colour printed image of a rabbit set against the wintry landscape of northern Europe, signifying the rabbit’s unwavering character and ability to survive the harsh winter climate.

On the obverse is the Raphael Maklouf Effigy of Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II Sovereign of the Commonwealth of the Pitcairn Islands.

This coin comes in a custom moulded Snow Paw Print Display case which features a paw print of a rabbit in the snow and retails at $126.

New Zealand Mint has also released a White Rabbit-Alice in Wonderland coin as part of the 2011 Lunar Year coin series. It features the image of the White Rabbit from the popular children’s novel written by English author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll.

For more information on the 2011 Lunar Year of the Rabbit coin series, visit www.nzmint.com/coins

About The New Zealand Mint: The New Zealand Mint has been minting legal tender commemorative coins, gold bullion and medallions for more than four decades. As New Zealand's only precious metal mint and one of the first world mints to adopt the .9999 standard for gold coin purity, New Zealand Mint prides itself on high quality design and production work.

In 2009, New Zealand Mint opened the Bullion Exchange, the first of its kind in New Zealand which offers a comprehensive service for buying and selling gold and silver bullion as well as on-site insured storage.

Leading the way with innovative coloured, silver and gold commemorative coins, New Zealand Mint is known globally for quality and design excellence.

New Zealand Mint also produces several ranges of jewellery that cater to many tastes and styles, including the Boh Runga for New Zealand Mint collections.

ENDS

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