Chinese astrology is based on a 12 years cycle, represented by twelve animals. In order appear the Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Goat, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog and the Pig. Each animal is a symbol of characteristic personality traits of persons born during this sign.
Creating the Chinese calendar collection is always an exercise in mysticism. We have to pay tribute to the lunar calendar while at the same time bringing a French touch to it, creating this mixture of cultures. Added to this are the character traits linked to the signs, which we try to translate into a kind of anthropomorphism represented by the attitude we express through each animal!
Engraver wordOne of the oldest in the world, the chinese calendar is a sun-and-moon calendar. Months are set according to the moon, i.e. the first day of each month, is the new moon and the 15th day is the full moon.
Because the solar year counts 12 lunar month plus a dozen of days, seven intercalary months are added over each 19 years, in order for the calendar year to stay within a solar year.
After the tiger in 2022, the Chinese Calendar series launches a collection dedicated to the fourth sign of the zodiac and water sign in 2023, the rabbit.
The Horse, symbol of ardor and freedom, guides the zodiac cycle of the year 2026 according to Chinese tradition. With this collection, Monnaie de Paris continues its journey between millennia-old cultures and artisanal excellence, offering coins where Asian spirituality meets French refinement.
After the dragon in 2024, 2025 will be under the sign of the snake. To mark the occasion, discover our new collection celebrating the most enigmatic animal in the Chinese zodiac. Natives of the Snake are said to be rather secretive, cautious and renowned for their wise and calm nature.
These coins celebrate the power and wisdom of the dragon, China's most powerful Chinese astrology. This mythical animal symbolizes power, nobility and success.
After the tiger in 2022, the Chinese Calendar series launches a collection dedicated to the fourth sign of the zodiac and water sign in 2023, the rabbit.
2022 marks the Year of the Tiger which will start from February 1st 2022 until January 21th 2023.
We celebrate the Year of the Ox from February 12, 2021 to January 31, 2022.
