China's lunar gold series has been running since 1981, but the scalloped-edge format introduced for certain denominations added a minting complexity that most state mints avoid — the non-circular planchet requires individual feeding rather than automated strip-blank production. The 2003 goat issue was struck at a time when the People's Bank was aggressively expanding its bullion and commemorative programs ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, driving mintage numbers carefully controlled to sustain collector premiums.
The 15.5519g weight is exactly one troy half-ounce — a deliberate alignment with international bullion denomination conventions.
China's lunar gold series has been running since 1981, but the scalloped-edge format introduced for certain denominations added a minting complexity that most state mints avoid — the non-circular planchet requires individual feeding rather than automated strip-blank production. The 2003 goat issue was struck at a time when the People's Bank was aggressively expanding its bullion and commemorative programs ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, driving mintage numbers carefully controlled to sustain collector premiums.
The 15.5519g weight is exactly one troy half-ounce — a deliberate alignment with international bullion denomination conventions.