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Australia Year of the Ox

2009 Proof Ten Dollar

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The Chinese Zodiac is an astrological system that rotates through a twelve year lunar cycle. Each of these years is associated with an animal arranged in order from the rat through to the pig. An ancient folk story states that the order was established by a race between the animals that was orchestrated by the Jade Emperor of China. It is believed that each of these animals is associated with a set of characteristics that may serve as an astrological guide to understand the events that occur in the year as well as the personalities of those born in the year. The Royal Australian Mint regularly produces coins celebrating the beginning of a new Chinese Lunar Year.

This ten dollar piece was issued in 2009 to celebrate the beginning of the Lunar Year of the Ox. It is part of the lunar series issued annually by the Royal Australian Mint. In addition to this gold ten dollar piece a silver proof and uncirculated one dollar variety was also issued. The reverse design features an ox along with the Chinese character for ox, the year of issue "2009" and the caption "YEAR OF THE OX". The obverse has the Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of HRH Queen Elizabeth II with the legend "ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 2009" and the denomination "10 DOLLARS".

The Chinese Zodiac states that people born in the year of the ox are strong, reliable, fair and conscientious, inspiring confidence in others. They are also calm, patient, methodical and can be trusted. Although they say little they can be very opinionated. They believe strongly in themselves, but are also stubborn and hate to fail or be challenged. Although they do not lose their temper easily their anger can become explosive and impulsive. They are serious, quiet and not naturally sociable, which can make them dull.