2016 Year of the Monkey Silver Coin Collectible

The Story Behind the 2016 Year of the Monkey Silver Coin

The Chinese lunar calendar follows a 12-year animal cycle, with each year represented by one of 12 zodiac animals. The monkey is the 9th animal in this cycle. Thus, 2016 was the Year of the Monkey according to the Chinese zodiac.

Mints around the world issued Year of the Monkey coins in gold and silver to mark this special year. These animal-themed coins have been popular collectibles for many years. The designs typically incorporate images of the zodiac animal along with symbols of luck and good fortune.

Specifications of the Coin

The 2016 Year of the Monkey silver coin featured in this article contains 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver. It has a face value of $2 from the African nation of Chad. While technically considered legal tender, these silver coins trade according to the value of their precious metal content.

The diameter of the coin is 39 mm. The mintage limit was set at 30,000 coins, although the actual number produced ended up lower. This limited issuance makes the coin more desirable to collectors and investors.

Obverse Design

The obverse side of the coin depicts an adult monkey hanging from a tree branch alongside a baby monkey. The background includes a cascading waterfall and dense forest landscape. The background design changes from year to year, showcasing different natural monkey habitats.

Engravings also indicate the coin’s weight, purity, year, and face value. The image of Chad’s national emblem — an elephant head framed between two stars — appears next to the face value.

Reverse Design

The reverse side bears a mirrored image of the two monkeys from the obverse. The top inscription reads “Year of the Monkey” along with the date 2016 in both the Western and Chinese numeral systems.

A Chinese character representing the word “monkey” appears in the center alongside engraved images of peach fruits. Peaches are a Chinese symbol of longevity and immortality.

Security Features

Like most modern silver bullion, the 2016 Year of the Monkey coin contains several advanced security features to protect against counterfeiting. When viewed under a black light, the peach images glow to reveal hidden security markers. And microscopic engravings require high-powered magnification to authenticate.

Significance of Motif

Monkeys have deep cultural significance in China and other Asian societies. They are clever, playful creatures that symbolize intelligence and inventiveness. People born in monkey years are said to be wise, innovative, and socially adept.

The monkeys encircled by the lush rainforest environment represents the animal’s natural habitat. But they also hint at deeper meanings. The waterfall symbolizes rebirth and new opportunities, while the baby monkey signifies continuation of the family lineage.

Availability and Collectability

Following its initial release, the 2016 Year of the Monkey silver coin could be purchased directly from mints or through authorized bullion dealers. However, many of these dealers have since sold out their inventory.

Since only a limited number exist, the coin often trades at significant premiums over silver value in collector markets. Prices are also impacted by changing silver spot rates. Investors and collectors should be prepared to pay upwards of 30% over melt value to add this desirable Year of the Monkey coin to their portfolio or collection.

Ideal for Collectors

This coin appeals primarily to bullion collectors rather than silver investors focused strictly on silver content and melt values. Those accumulating full 12-coin lunar series sets keep demand elevated year after year for each new release.

The 2016 Year of the Monkey coin also makes a thoughtful gift item for anyone born in a previous Monkey year such as 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, or 2004.

Outlook Moving Forward

Currently available for purchase on websites like eBay, the 2016 Year of the Monkey silver coin likely reaches the bottom of its price cycle at some point. But further out in the years and decades ahead, prices should stabilize and enter a steady climb higher over the long run.

Each new Year of the Monkey release tends to spark renewed interest in previous versions. And the limited mintage ensures no flood of new supply will ever enter the market. For these reasons, the 2016 Year of the Monkey silver bullion coin stands positioned to retain collector value into the foreseeable future.

FAQs

What is the composition of the 2016 Year of the Monkey coin?

The coin contains 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver.

What security features does the coin have?

The coin has multiple security features including hidden images that glow under black light and microscopic engravings only visible with high magnification.

What is the meaning behind the monkey and peach images?

Monkeys represent intelligence and inventiveness in Chinese culture. The peach fruit signifies longevity and immortality.

Where can I buy the 2016 Year of the Monkey silver coin?

Following its release, many authorized dealers sold out. Currently the coin trades at collector price premiums, often over 30% above melt value, on websites like eBay.