In 2016 for the third year running, the Royal Mint released a special Limited Issue British Lunar Monkey £10 Ten Pound Gold Coin struck in solid fine 999.9 Gold weighing one-tenth of an ounce of fine pure Gold.
The reverse designed by Wuon-Gean Ho depicts a Rhesus Monkey while the obverse features the Fifth Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark.
The monkeys in Wuon-Gean’s
design are inspired by the Rhesus Monke
y, part of the ‘Old World’ family of monkeys originating in Europe
, Africa
and Asia. Adaptable and intelligent, the Rhesus Monkey
can thrive in mountains, forests, desert and grasslands and in China
alone, occupies a wide geographic range, from Beijing
all the way south down to Hong Kong.
Rhesus Monkeys
and humans shared a common ancestor about 25 million years ago. They are the first of the Old World monkeys
to have their genome, or genetic material, sequenced in 2007, which has been an invaluable insight into the evolution of primates, helping us have a better understanding of human health.
They are extremely intelligent, sociable and family oriented, and are equally good at climbing and swimming.” Rhesus Monkey's
are sociable creatures, living among communities or ‘troops’, so Wuon-Gean has depicted two monkeys in her composition. The monkeys were inspired by the artist’s playful niece and nephew, and are shown leaping through the air, conveying unerring balance, freedom and flight.
Limited Edition of only 1,888 Worldwide
Finished to Royal Mint's Brilliant Uncirculated Standard
Struck in solid 999.9 Gold Weighing One-Tenth of an Ounce of pure Gold
