Why the 2026 Australian lunar horse coin might be one of the best picks yet...
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As a collector, I’m always watching for releases that combine beauty, craftsmanship, and the kind of long-term appeal that makes coins more than just “things I bought.” The Perth Mint’s 2026 Year of the Horse release has all those elements ,nd I believe it may stand out as one of the most desirable coins in Lunar Series III.
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The 2026 Horse coin continues The Perth Mint’s tradition of pairing cultural symbolism with investment-grade metals. Struck in 99.99% pure silver, the one ounce silver version features 2 horses, one galloping, powerful and free, the other standing with poise and grace. This isn’t just “a horse on a coin”; it’s a thoughtful depiction of vitality and elegance, with a design that really captures the spirit of the Chinese zodiac’s sevnth animal. People born during the year of the Horse years often feel a personal connection to these coins, which adds a layer of meaning beyond their metal value. The Perth Mint also includes advanced security features, giving buyers extra confidence against counterfeits, a must in today’s market.
Looking at the bigger picture, the Australian Lunar Series has been going strong since 1996, with each cycle becoming more popular among collectors worldwide. Series I set the standard, Series II introduced a broader range of sizes and saw international interest really grow, and Series III , which began in 2020 , brings a modern artistic style with even more refined finishes a d consistent 99.99% purity. Many collectors aim to build full twelve-coin sets across the zodiac cycle, which drives demand year after year and pushes up the premiums on earlier issues once they sell out.
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Personally, I think the 2026 Horse is one of the nicest designs so far in Series III. I love how the design balances power and elegance, and how Perth Mint always manages to elevate these coins into something that feels as much like fine art as bullion. The only hesitation I have is the premium... As always with lunar releases, they cost well above spot price! That’s fine for collectors, but as a stacker I sometimes prefer to wait and see whether the hype cools down before picking one up. Still, this coin bridges the gap beautifully between bullion and collectable. It’s the sort of piece you can buy knowing that you have solid silver weight behind it, a limited mintage, and strong appeal that should hold up over time. Whether you buy now to secure the best strike and packaging, or wait to see if you can pick one up later at a better price, this coin feels like a worthy addition to any serious collectionand a great way to bring a bit of equestrian energy into your stack.
