The Chinese Sexagenary Cycle Series – 2020 Rat on the Beam with 2021 Ox on the Road 2 oz Pure Silver Coins Set

Rat on the Beam

The year 2020 is the 37th(庚子) of the 60-Year cycle, and year of the “Rat on the Beam”. The Chinese Zodiac and its 60-Year calendar cycle are based on the combination of a cycle of the 10 heavenly stems and 12 earthly branches which are represented by the 12 zodiac animals. Each year is named by a pair of one stem and one branch that is paired with one of the 5 elements.

The 2 oz fine-silver coin is struck in ultra-high relief while being complemented with antiqued silver finishing and topped off with a hint of red highlighting the year 庚子.

The collectible features the Rat on the Beam as the focal point on the reverse with its supporting elements and details such as the Chinese patterns with earthy soil textured background. The title of the character is backed by round blocks of Chinese motifs at the top while the year 庚子 is placed at the bottom, designed as a traditional Chinese wax stamped effect, colored in red, finished with little circle blocks of the series title in Chinese. The obverse features more Chinese patterns surrounding the legal tender, the Coat of Arms du Tchad.

SPECIFICATIONS

Mintage: 500 pcs
Material: 999 Ag & 999 Cu
Weight: 2 oz Ag & 11.5 oz Cu
Finish: Antiqued High Relief
Diameter: 80 mm
Country: Republique du Tchad
Year of Issue: 2020
Face Value: 5000 Francs CFA

Ox on the Road

The Chinese Sexagenary Cycle (六十甲子) is an ancient method of calculating years, months, dates and time. Consisting of 10 heavenly stems and 12 earthly branches, a pairing of 1 character from the stem followed by another from the branch will derive the sexagenary number of a Chinese year. The 10 heavenly stems are each associated with the five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal and water – while the 12 earthly branches are represented by one of the 12 Zodiac animals.

Those born in this year are referred to as the “Ox on the Road” – strong and trustworthy beings who are blessed with a comfortable life following their working years. Not unlike the bull in Western references, the Chinese ox also carries positive and prosperous connotations. This is further amplified on the collectible with the ox depicted in a striking gold tone. Auspicious motifs are outlined through its body, and its hooves move with agility as it charges ahead boldly, a strand of silver coins in its mouth that bear the Chinese word for good fortune, “福”. True to the portrayal of an ox on the road, a terrain-like texture is applied on the foreground to complete this piece and bring it to life. The year of 辛丑 is marked in calligraphic strokes atop a red accent to mirror the Chinese wax stamp finishing on traditional art.

The 2 oz pure silver coin is delivered in antiqued silver finishing, with details struck in ultra-high relief and accented with red and gold to highlight the strong ox and the year of 辛丑. The obverse features the legal tender, the Coat of Arms du Tchad.

SPECIFICATIONS

Mintage: 500 pcs
Material: 999 Ag
Weight: 2 oz Ag
Finish: Antiqued High Relief with Color
Diameter: 45 mm
Country: Republique du Tchad
Year of Issue: 2021
Face Value: 10000 Francs CFA