Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 10 Pounds 2021, Sp# CLCC8, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Chinese Zodiac, Year of the Ox
  • 10 Pounds 2021, Sp# CLCC8, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Chinese Zodiac, Year of the Ox
Description

With a history that is believed to date back more than 3,000 years, China is one of the world’s oldest civilisations in the world. Deeply rooted with a storied past, it’s no surprise that Chinese culture is full of ancient tradition, rich heritage and mythical folklore. The perfect example of this is the Chinese zodiac which fully encompasses all three.

The Chinese zodiac is a classification scheme that assigns an animal and its reputed attributes to each year in a repeating 12-year cycle. The 12-year cycle is an approximation to the 11.85-year orbital period of Jupiter. Identifying this scheme using the generic term "zodiac" reflects several superficial similarities to the Western zodiac. Nevertheless, there are major differences between the two: the animals of the Chinese zodiac are not associated with constellations spanned by the ecliptic plane. The Chinese 12-part cycle corresponds to years, rather than months. The Chinese zodiac is represented by 12 animals, whereas some of the signs in the Western zodiac are not animals, despite the implication of the etymology of the word zodiac.

Established in 2014 with the release of the Year of the Horse coin, The Shēngxiào Collection celebrates the lunar calendar and honours the various animals of the Chinese zodiac. Continuing this annual tradition into 2021, The Royal Mint commemorated the second symbol in the 12-year cycle as we celebrate the Lunar Year of the Ox.

Obverse

The fifth crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem and drop earrings.

The George IV State Diadem, officially the Diamond Diadem, is a type of crown that was made in 1820 for King George IV. The diadem is worn by queens and queens consort in procession to coronations and State Openings of Parliament. The piece of jewelry has been featured in paintings and on stamps and currency. It can be seen in the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FIDEI DEFENSATRIX means Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen and Defender of the Faith.

Engraver: Jody Clark

ELIZABETH II•D•G•REG•F•D•10 POUNDS
J.C

Reverse

Depicts a powerful ox grazing in a meadow with bluebells in the foreground and blossoming trees beyond, complete with a picturesque countryside setting and prominently features the traditional Chinese symbol for the ox, centrally placed above the sacred herbivore: 牛. In the lower right, on the ground behind the ox, the designer's initials (HB).

The zodiacal Ox is the second of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar, and related calendar systems. People born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the "Year of the Ox": 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1986, 1997 and 2009.

Engraver: Harry Brockway

YEAR OF THE OX • 2021

HB

Edge

10 Pounds

5th portrait, Five Ounce Silver Proof Coin
Sp# CLCC8
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 156.3 g
Diameter 65 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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