2006 1/10 oz Australia Perth Mint Gold Lunar: Year of the Dog (.9999 Gold, Series I)

The 2006 1/10 oz Australia Perth Mint Gold Lunar: Year of the Dog is the eleventh release in the highly collectible Lunar Series I, a program that has become one of the most recognized and sought-after bullion collections in the world. Struck from .9999 fine Gold and produced by the prestigious Perth Mint, this fractional Gold coin brings together cultural symbolism, numismatic craftsmanship and limited mintage appeal. With a worldwide mintage of only 12,017 pieces, the 2006 Year of the Dog issue remains one of the key fractional releases in the first Lunar series, making it highly desirable for both series completists and investors seeking low-mintage modern Gold.

Each coin is housed in its original protective capsule, preserving the Brilliant Uncirculated details and iconic Year of the Dog artwork. As a sovereign Australian coin, it carries full legal-tender status and is backed by the authority of the Australian government.

Coin Highlights

• Contains 1/10 oz of .9999 fine Gold
• Worldwide mintage of only 12,017 coins
• Eleventh release of Lunar Series I
• Comes in original Perth Mint capsule
• Reverse: Beagle in grass with Chinese character for "dog"
• Obverse: Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II
• Backed by the Australian government as legal tender

The Lunar Series I Program

Introduced in 1996, the Perth Mint’s Lunar Series I was inspired by the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. Every year features a new design representing one of the zodiac animals, and these issues quickly gained international recognition for their artistic quality, purity and annually changing motifs. Series I set the foundation for what would become a global phenomenon in bullion collecting, later followed by Series II and Series III.

The 2006 Year of the Dog is especially appealing due to its limited mintage and its status as one of the final releases before the series ended in 2007.

The Year of the Dog

Individuals born under the zodiac sign of the Dog (2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958 and every 12th preceding year) are traditionally described as loyal, honest, responsible and protective. They are regarded as dependable companions and embodiments of integrity. The Perth Mint’s artwork for the 2006 release captures these qualities through a tranquil yet alert depiction of the dog in a natural setting.

The dog plays an important symbolic role in Chinese tradition, representing faithfulness, determination and devotion. This makes Year of the Dog coins especially meaningful as gifts or keepsakes.

Design Details

The reverse of the 2006 1/10 oz Gold Lunar portrays a beagle standing in grass, with the Chinese character for “dog” positioned beside the central design. The coin’s styling reflects Series I’s more traditional artistic approach, offering a timeless presentation that appeals to both bullion buyers and numismatic collectors.

The obverse features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, along with the weight, Gold purity and monetary denomination. This portrait was widely used throughout Commonwealth nations during this period and represents an important era in modern Australian coinage.

Collectibility and Market Appeal

With a mintage capped at 12,017 coins, the 2006 1/10 oz Gold Dog stands out as one of the scarcer fractional Gold lunars in Series I. Many early Lunar Series coins were widely collected and often stored away long-term, limiting available supply today. As a result, this release has become increasingly desirable, particularly among collectors working to complete full Series I sets.

Fractional Perth Mint Gold offers added flexibility, making it accessible for both seasoned collectors and new investors exploring numismatic Gold.

About the Perth Mint

Founded in 1899 as part of the British Royal Mint system, the Perth Mint has evolved into one of the world’s leading producers of precious metals. Known for its strict purity standards, advanced technology and iconic design programs—including the Kookaburra, Koala, Kangaroo, Swan and Lunar Series—the Perth Mint continues to deliver some of the most admired bullion and numismatic issues globally.