The design
Centuries ago, the Chinese invented a calendar based on the lunar - rather than the solar - cycle.In 1998, Canada will inaugurate a remarkable series of coins, designed by Harvey Chan, featuring the animal symbols of Chinese astrology based on the Lunar Calendar. These symbols roughly approximate the signsof the zodiac in western culture, however, denote years instead of months. In 2004, the Royal Canadian Mint continues production of the annual series with a coin commemorating the Year of the Monkey. All 12 ofthe Lunar animals - the Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Sheep, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog and the Pig - will appear in a circular arrangement around the rim of each coin, with a different animal highlighted each year in a central cameo. The coin's observe bears the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by artist Dora de Pédery-Hunt.

CHINESE LUNAR CALENDAR - YEAR OF THE MONKEY - STAMPS AND COIN SET - 2004 CANADIAN COINS 07 is categorised COINS AND PAPER MONEY / 08- ROYAL CANADIAN MINT / 22- ASTROLOGY & BIRTHSTONES and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.