Combining centuries of Chinese tradition with British minting craftsmanship, The Royal Mint Lunar collection celebrates the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, or Shēngxiào, and their distinctive characteristics and qualities.

Legend has it that the Jade Emperor, who ruled justly over heaven and earth, had never visited his earthly kingdom. Curious to find out what the earth’s creatures looked like, he summoned them to a great meeting. The pig was the last to arrive – tardiness that explains its position as the final sign of the Chinese zodiac.

Continuing the success of The Shēngxiào Collection, the sixth bullion coin in the series, features a design by artist Harry Brockway. The Year of the Pig is the twelfth sign of the Chinese zodiac before it starts anew with the Year of the Rat in 2020 and people born under this sign are said to be loyal, generous and gentle.

The design perfectly captures the traits associated with people born in the Year of the Pig. The country house, with smoke coming from the warm fire, set beneath a drowsy night sky, suggests calmness. While the pig, with her children, symbolises family, loyalty and generosity. The bullion coins of The Shēngxiào Collection are also available as a one ounce gold edition.