Canadian Gold Year of the Rooster

The Canadian Gold Year of the Rooster coin is the eighth among the Canadian coinage released in celebration of the Chinese Zodiac animals based on the Chinese Lunar Calendar of 12 year-cycle. Coincident with the Year of the Rooster, the Canadian Gold Year of the Rooster coin was minted and released in 2017. The Chinese Shēngxiào (zodiac) tradition dates centuries back and depicts the rooster as a decisive, organized and astute creature.

Designed by Aries Cheung, the Canadian Gold Year of the Rooster comes in the denomination of $150. Its design is similar to the Rooster silver releases for both lunar lotus and proof options. The obverse contains the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which was developed by Susanna Blunt in 2003, facing towards the right. The effigy is not unique to the Canadian Gold Year of the Rooster, as it is common in all Canadian currency. The inscriptions, “ELIZABETH II” and “D·G· REGINA” appear on the left and the right of the effigy.

The reverse features a big rooster, body facing to the left and head turned to the right with its beak open and standing on the left leg in the foreground. The rooster is rationalized to be gazing confidently at the image of a setting sun, which is on the right towards the middle and above the Chinese symbol for rooster. The value inscription, “150 DOLLARS” appears below the rooster while, “CANADA 2017” appears towards the top of the coin. The text, “AC” appears below the rooster’s breast.

The Canadian Gold Year of the Rooster coin is an 18-carat gold coin (0.285 t/oz) with a purity of 0.750. it is 1.5 millimeters thick and 28 millimeters wide. The gross weight of the coin is 11.84 grams. The coin has a serrated edge and a proof finish. Only 2,500 Canadian Gold Year of the Rooster coins were minted and by the Royal Canadian Mint whose headquarters are in Ottawa, Canada, but has a branch in Winnipeg. The Mint is a crown corporation founded on January 2, 1908 and is wholly owned by the Government of Canada.