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150 Dollars - Elizabeth II Year of the Rat
| Issuer | Royal Canadian Mint |
|---|---|
| Year | 2008 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | 28.0 mm |
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| Obverse lettering | 150 DOLLARS ELIZABETH II CANADA · 2008 · |
| Reverse description | Holographic coloured depiction of two stylised rats rendered in a bold outlined graphic idiom against the polished gold field, commemorating the Chinese Lunar Year of the Rat. The larger rat is shown in profile to the left with a prominently curled tail, while a smaller rat faces right beside it, both decorated with iridescent multicolour holographic toning in shades of pink, green, and gold. The designer's monogram appears in a circular cartouche at the lower right of the field. No peripheral legend is present on the reverse. |
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| Additional information |
Canada's 18-karat lunar gold series was issued in direct competition with the Perth Mint's established lunar program, targeting Asian-Canadian collectors who had long driven demand for Australian issues. The Year of the Rat opens the second twelve-year lunar cycle, making 2008 pieces the anchor of any complete run.
The .750 fineness is a deliberate commercial choice — matching jewelry-grade gold to appeal to gift-giving traditions where 18-karat carries cultural weight over the investment-standard .9999.