HORSE Lunar Year 1 Oz Silver Proof Coin 20 Patacas Macao Macau 2014

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HORSE Lunar Year 1 Oz Silver Proof Coin 20 Patacas Macau 2014 HORSE COMPLETELY SOLD OUT AT MINT! PRE-ORDER: COIN SHIPPED AFTER AVAILABLE FROM THE MINT (END DECEMBER 2013) In conjunction with the 2014 Lunar Horse year, the Monetary Authority of Macau issues the Macau Horse coin which is the seventh in the Macau Lunar coin collection (2008- 2019), exclusively minted and marketed by The Singapore Mint.The magnificent horse is illustrated in an awe-inspiring pose on the obverse side of the coin: rearing on its hind legs, seemingly at the brink of take-off. This burst of vigor and forward-looking spirit hints at the beginning of many good things to come, in your career or life. The horse is accompanied by a cascade of alluring camellia flowers in full bloom. They come in many vibrant colours and just like the horse’s unyielding resilience, these flowers flourish even in cold weathers; upholding brilliance no matter the circumstance. The coin’s reverse side embodies the carvings of the Guia Fortress – in commemoration of Macau’s maritime, military and missionary past. The fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also a popular tourist attraction of Macau. BACKGROUND AND HISTORY Legends and mythology are a big part of Chinese culture, especially in relation to the Chinese Zodiac. The 12 animals that appear on the Chinese Zodiac calendar include a rat, buffalo (Ox), tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. It’s an unusual combination of animals for sure, and their appearance on the Chinese Zodiac is the topic of countless legends and is deeply embedded in Chinese mythology.An unlikely gatheringThe most well-known of the Chinese zodiac legends states that Buddha invited the animals to participate in a race. The prize was a coveted position on the Chinese Zodiac calendar. The first 12 animals to cross the river would appear on the Chinese Zodiac calendar in the order in which they completed the race.The first animal to make it across the finish line according to Chinese Zodiac legends and mythology was the rat. It seems unlikely that such a small animal could win such a strenuous race, especially when one considers all the contenders.Chinese Zodiac legends and mythology explains that the rat used his brain rather than his brawn. It hitched a ride on what it perceived was the mightiest swimmer. Just before the buffalo reached the shore, the rat jumped off the buffalo’s back and crossed the finish line before the buffalo, putting the rat in first place.The buffalo came in second and as promised in the legends and mythology, was the second animal listed on the Chinese Zodiac. The tiger, also being strong, came in third, followed by the rabbit that jumped his way across and was helped during the last stretch by the dragon. A snake hid in the hoof of the horse which is how it managed to make it across the river. At the last minute the snake jumped out and scared the horse into seventh place.The sheep, monkey and rooster helped one another across and earned their spots on the calendar as well. The dog made it too, but decided a bath was more important than the position which is why it came in eleventh. Finally, the pig appeared and is listed last. According to Chinese Zodiac legends and mythology, the pig feasted and rested half-way through the race, but made it across guaranteeing its position.A small gatheringThe history of the Chinese Zodiac weaves another intriguing tale. This one tells of an invitation to a grand feast. All the animals were invited to join Buddha at either a birthday celebration, a New Year celebration, or a celebration for his departure from this world. Only 12 animals showed up at the festivities and that’s how they ended up being featured on the Chinese Zodiac calendar. Another of the legends of the Chinese Zodiac states that instead of Buddha, it was the Jade Emperor who invited the animals. Regardless of the specific version of Chinese Zodiac history to which you subscribe, the Chinese... read more

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